'The In-Between World': Director Kang Yoon-sung Unveils the Beginning of an AI-Powered Series (Premiere)

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Director Kang Yoon-sung has embarked on a bold new experiment, challenging conventional filmmaking with the first feature-length Korean film to heavily utilize AI technology. This marks his return to the big screen approximately six years after Long Live the King: Mokpo Hero (2019).

Known for widening his genre scope through films like The Outlaws and Disney+ series such as Casino and Pine: The Rascals, Kang Yoon-sung has now initiated a new series that blurs the lines between reality and the non-physical world.

The cast expressed their excitement. Actor Im Hyung-joon remarked, "AI is now deeply ingrained in daily life, and the film industry is showing intense interest in it. Today feels like the moment we fasten the first button on that journey."

The press screening and conference for the film The In-Between World (Jung-gan-gye) were held on the 13th at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, attended by Director Kang Yoon-sung and actors Byun Yo-han, Kim Kang-woo, Bang Hyo-rin, and Im Hyung-joon.

A Chase Action Blockbuster at the Border of Life and Death

The In-Between World is a chase action blockbuster that depicts a clash between people trapped in the intermediate world between the living and the dead, and grim reapers intent on annihilating those souls. The film is set against the backdrop of real-life Seoul.

The concept of the 'In-Between World' (Jung-gan-gye) is borrowed from Buddhism, referring to the space where souls reside after death before moving on to the next life. The film adapts this concept to illustrate a world of chaos unfolding on the boundary between life and death.

Director Kang Yoon-sung explained that the project began during the filming of Pine: The Rascals when a corporation offered him the chance to produce an AI short film. "I had a script written previously that I felt was too good to end as a short," he revealed. "It started with the idea of developing it into a feature."

"Up until March of this year, AI technology was quite underdeveloped. Then, at a certain point, it rapidly progressed," Kang stated. "The In-Between World is a finished work overlayed with the very latest technology."

AI technology is prominently featured starting around the midpoint of the film. The creatures—a total of 18 types, including the 12 Zodiac deities, four types of Heavenly Kings, a Haechi, and Yama—were all created using generative AI. A standout highlight is the Gwanghwamun explosion sequence, a blend of live action and AI that creates a version of the 'In-Between World' that is both realistic and subtly alien.

Limitations and the Future of AI in Film

However, the director acknowledged some limitations in the final product. The execution of the Heavenly Kings in the Jogyesa Temple scene appeared somewhat awkward, and subtle distortions in a monk's face revealed the artificial texture typical of early AI-generated imagery.

"AI still has limits in color correction and detailed replication," Kang confessed. "Especially the composite shot under the lanterns at Jogyesa Temple felt a bit unnatural." He added, "AI kept improving even during filming. A new technology would emerge the next day. It was hard to keep up with the speed."

Despite the limitations, the advantages of AI were clear: reduced time and cost. Kang noted, "Complex CGI, like explosion scenes, usually takes four to five days. But with AI, it can be finished within one to two hours. The work efficiency is overwhelmingly high."

Notably, The In-Between World was shot entirely outdoors, with no use of the green screen traditionally employed in CG-heavy films. Actor Kim Kang-woo recalled, "Acting in real spaces like Gwanghwamun made emotional immersion much more natural."

When questioned about the possibility of AI replacing actors, the director was resolute. "An actor is a creator. Technology can implement a scene where someone flies through the sky, but it cannot replace the actor's emotion," Kang emphasized.

Byun Yo-han concurred, "This film was an experiment to see how far AI could intervene in the film industry. Ultimately, without human imagination and creativity, AI cannot exist."

The running time for The In-Between World is approximately 60 minutes. Kang Yoon-sung revealed, "It was initially planned as a two-hour film, but due to technical circumstances, we cut it in half," announcing plans to approach it as a film series. The ending, where Byun Yo-han's character's eyes flash as if transforming into a monster, hints at a sequel. "I've already finished the script for the second part. We will prepare the next stage in line with the pace of AI development," he hinted.

Im Hyung-joon concluded with a hopeful outlook: "The Korean film market is currently in a slump. I believe that as AI develops, we can create imaginative films with smaller budgets." Director Kang Yoon-sung shared the sentiment, stating, "AI will be actively utilized in the film industry going forward. I hope The In-Between World can serve as a new motive for the film and drama industry."

The In-Between World is scheduled for an exclusive release at CGV theaters on the 15th.