Agent Kim Reactivated, a live-action adaptation of the webtoon Manager Kim, has become the first Korean live-action series to feature a fully AI-generated story sequence spanning three minutes, according to AI production company Morpheus Studio. The series used AI to create a roughly three-minute flashback sequence appearing across Episodes 1 and 2. Rather than generating individual visual effects shots, the production created the entire sequence with AI — a first for a Korean drama. The sequence depicts protagonist Kim (Ji-sub So), a former North Korean covert operative, carrying out secret missions before the events of the main story. It features large-scale action scenes, including explosions, car chases through snowy roads and tunnels, vehicle crashes, underwater sequences, gunfights, and close-up character shots generated entirely with AI. According to Morpheus Studio, filming the scenes conventionally would have required extensive production costs, including elaborate sets, location shoots, practical explosions, and heavy VFX work. The production instead chose a fully AI-generated approach to realize the webtoon's action-heavy backstory. The live-action adaptation debuted globally on Netflix on June 26. Manager Kim is set within the same universe as popular webtoons such as Lookism, Viral Hit, and My Life as a Loser, and gained significant popularity during its original serialization from 2021 to 2025. Fans can read the Manager Kim webtoon in English on WEBTOON. Personally, I find this development fascinating for several reasons. Firstly, it showcases the potential of AI in the entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of visual effects and storytelling. The fact that an entire sequence could be generated with AI is a testament to the technology's capabilities and its potential to revolutionize the way we create and consume media. Secondly, it raises questions about the future of live-action adaptations and the role of AI in shaping them. As AI technology continues to advance, we may see more and more productions utilizing AI-generated content, which could lead to new and innovative storytelling techniques. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for AI to replace human creativity and the need to strike a balance between technological advancements and artistic expression. In my opinion, the use of AI in this project is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it opens up exciting possibilities for the future of entertainment and storytelling. On the other hand, it also highlights the importance of human creativity and the need to ensure that AI is used as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, the work of talented artists and filmmakers. Overall, the use of AI in the live-action adaptation of Manager Kim is a significant development that has the potential to shape the future of entertainment and storytelling. It is a fascinating example of how technology can be used to enhance and innovate, while also raising important questions about the role of human creativity in the age of AI.
