On July 8, the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel in Seoul buzzed with hundreds of attendees an hour before the launch of ABC (AI Business Channel), South Korea's first AI-focused economic broadcasting channel. Dignitaries from politics, industry, and media gathered to celebrate the birth of AI-driven new media.
The event, which began at 4 p.m., showcased the characteristics of an AI-centric media outlet. An AI robot named 'Aro' made a dramatic entrance, performing martial arts as the host declared the opening. Following this, Aro danced to music alongside a robotic dog, impressing attendees with its smooth movements.
Aro then introduced itself and explained the journey of Aju Media Group, outlining the goals and aspirations of ABC. This presentation was a fitting representation of the launch of an AI-focused economic broadcasting channel.
In his opening remarks, Aju Media Group Chairman Kwak Young-gil embodied AI technology, appearing as an AI-generated image. He stated, "If I wanted to, I could go to space right now," as the stage backdrop transformed into a cosmic scene before switching back to the ABC studio.
This visual demonstration illustrated the power of AI technology to transcend spatial limitations. Kwak summarized the significance of the launch by quoting, "Start now, make perfect later," emphasizing that perfection comes from taking the first step rather than waiting for everything to be perfect.
President Lee Jae-myung, in a congratulatory message, urged ABC to swiftly and accurately convey the rapidly evolving trends in AI technology and in-depth economic knowledge, contributing to the expansion of South Korea's AI industry ecosystem and bridging information gaps. He likened the global AI competition to a national-level battle involving astronomical investments, expressing the government's commitment to achieving a significant industrial leap.
Following the president's remarks, other congratulatory messages were delivered by National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik, Han Byeong-do, acting leader of the Democratic Party, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, Jeong Jeom-sik, floor leader of the People Power Party, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hun, and Kim Jong-cheol, chairman of the Broadcasting, Media, and Communications Commission. The event also saw the presence of Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, and Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform Party, along with former Prime Minister Jeong Se-kyun.
After the speeches, a three-minute introduction video of ABC, entirely produced by AI without human filming or editing, was screened. The video effectively captured ABC's vision with high production quality, drawing the audience's attention. Kim Kwang-jip, CEO of Studio MetaK, shared insights on the intersection of AI and media during the 'ABC Insights' session.
The event concluded with the official declaration of ABC's launch. Alongside the political and media figures who had delivered congratulatory messages, former Prime Minister Jeong Se-kyun, leader Lee Jun-seok, floor leader Cheon Ha-ram, Democratic Party member Min Byeong-deok, Justice Innovation Party member Lee Hae-min, Democratic Party member Lee Hak-young, former Deputy Prime Minister Hyun Oh-seok, former Ambassador to India Shin Bong-gil, and People Power Party member Kim Geon joined Chairman Kwak on stage to formalize the launch of ABC. Attendees applauded to celebrate the new channel's first steps.
With this launch, Aju Media Group has established a comprehensive media system that encompasses print, telecommunications, digital platforms, and now broadcasting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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