It has been revealed that some scenes from the drama ″Chief Kim″ were produced using AI technology.

In a commentary video of ″Chief Kim″ released on SBS’s official YouTube channel, So Ji-sub mentioned that CG technology was used in past scenes. In existing movies and dramas, the method of actors playing the same character followed by applying de-aging technology has been used. Examples include Choi Min-sik in ″Casino″ and the late Ahn Sung-ki in the movie ″Sector 7,″ where their younger appearances were realized through CG.

″Chief Kim″ went beyond simple CG and produced about three minutes of key action sequences using AI technology. These sequences were broadcast over one or two episodes and included scenes such as building explosions, gunfights, snowy mountain vehicle chases, vehicle rollovers and underwater falls, and vehicle recovery—scenes that require enormous production costs and time when filmed live-action. The AI video also reportedly achieved natural consistency in character portrayal and facial expressions, which have been considered weaknesses of AI-generated footage.

At the time of broadcast, some viewers did not realize the scenes were produced with AI, with comments such as ″I thought it was live-action″ and ″I didn’t know AI technology had advanced this much.″

The AI content production platform AICRON, developed by domestic VFX experts, was used for this project. Ryu Jae-hwan, Vice President of Morpheus Studio, who oversaw the AI video production, stated, ″’Chief Kim’ is a case where an entire sequence that enhances story completeness, not just a few seconds of special effects, was produced using AI,″ adding, ″This work shows that AI can become a new partner for creators.″

Hong Sung-chang, CEO of StudioS, the production company, explained at the SBS Drama: Next Episode event last June, ″AI is not a technology that replaces creators’ rights but a tool that assists creation.″ He added, ″Through AI, it has become possible to complete scenes that were previously difficult to realize,″ and ″We plan to actively pursue the introduction of new technologies going forward.″

″Chief Kim″ continues its success, surpassing a 20% viewership rating, and is gaining attention as a case actively incorporating AI technology into actual drama production.