The South Korean writer behind the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has delivered a powerful message about preserving human values in an increasingly AI-driven world. Park Chun-hue, the acclaimed lyricist whose work made history at this year's Tony Awards, emphasized that genuine human connection and empathy matter more than technological perfection as artificial intelligence continues to reshape society.
Speaking at a forum organized by South Korea's foreign ministry, Park shared his insights on what it means to remain truly human in the age of AI. The ministry announced that Park stressed the critical importance of human values that must not be forgotten as technology advances toward perfection. His remarks came during discussions focused on the future of humanity amid rapid technological innovation driven by artificial intelligence.
"Park said that as technology strives for perfection, there are human values that must not be overlooked," the foreign ministry stated in an official release. The writer emphasized a particularly poignant point about human nature, explaining that perfection itself is not what defines humanity. Instead, he argued that "it is not perfection but the willingness and capacity to understand and support one another that defines what keeps truly human in the AI era."
Park's perspective carries special weight given his remarkable achievement in the theater world. He co-wrote and co-lyricized the romantic musical "Maybe Happy Ending," which swept six Tony Awards this year, including the prestigious Best Musical award. Park personally won both Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, making him the first South Korean writer ever to receive these highly acclaimed honors. His collaboration with co-writer Will Aronson marked a historic moment for Korean original productions on Broadway.
The musical's themes resonate deeply with Park's recent comments about AI and humanity. "Maybe Happy Ending" tells the touching story of two humanoid robots who discover love and the meaning of life, exploring questions about what makes us human that feel increasingly relevant in today's technology-focused world. The production first premiered in South Korea before being adapted for Broadway, where it achieved unprecedented success for a Korean original show.
The forum where Park spoke featured multiple sessions examining cultural creation and consumption in the AI era. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including artists, technology experts, and officials from related industries, all working to understand how artificial intelligence will shape creative expression and cultural experiences in the future. These discussions reflect growing awareness of AI's impact on creative fields and the need for thoughtful consideration of technology's role in human expression.
