AI Dubbing Fuels K-Content Globalization and Spreads K-Channels to 20 Countries

Amidst the growing global influence of K-content, the Ministry of Science and ICT is fully launching an innovative initiative utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology: the 'AI Dubbing-Specialized K-FAST' dissemination support project. By investing a total budget of 8 billion won, the core goal is to significantly expand K-channels that will capture the eyes and ears of global viewers who prefer dubbed content over subtitles, and to maximize the local competitiveness of our content. For this project, six leading companies in AI dubbing technology, including NEW ID, Dost Eleven, CJ OliveNetworks, UnrulyAI, ESTsoft, and Hudson AI, have been selected as lead organizations. These companies, along with prominent domestic content producers such as KBS Media, MBC, SBS, CJ ENM, and Showbox, as well as advanced AI media technology companies like Strar, Vbridge, Supertone, and Gaudiolab, will establish a total of 20 K-channels. The selected consortia will perform localization tasks, essential for K-content's international expansion, using AI technology. By applying AI dubbing technology to approximately 4,400 pieces of content across various genres, including dramas, K-POP, movies, and entertainment shows, they will meticulously reproduce not just the translation, but also the speaker's tone, accent, and non-verbal expressions. Furthermore, by adding AI upscaling technology, they plan to innovatively improve the picture quality of existing content, securing a total of 1,400 hours of high-quality AI-dubbed content. These newly reborn K-channels, powered by AI technology, will be based on major languages such as English (12 channels), Spanish (7 channels), and Portuguese (1 channel), reaching viewers in over 20 countries worldwide, including North America, Europe, Central and South America, Asia, and Oceania. They will be broadcast sequentially from the fourth quarter through smart TV platforms and FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV), offering global viewers a more immersive K-content experience. The Ministry of Science and ICT anticipates that this project will not only contribute to the globalization of K-content but also serve as a significant catalyst for the advancement of domestic AI media technology. They plan to explore K-FAST internationalization and future growth strategies by holding an international FAST conference and business meetup in August, and a global K-FAST showcase in the fourth quarter. Through public-private cooperation, the ministry intends to provide full support to ensure K-channels firmly establish themselves in the global market.