Director Kang Yoon-sung's 'The Middle World' Explores AI and Greed, Premieres with Incomplete Story and Discounted Ticket Price

The film 'The Middle World' centers on Jae-beom (Yang Se-jong), a 'young and rich' individual who amassed a fortune by creating a massive illegal gambling website spanning Southeast Asia. Pursued by both those coveting his wealth and the police for crimes committed abroad, Jae-beom faces a personal tragedy with his mother's funeral. It's at this somber occasion that he encounters other criminals and law enforcement, all with their own motives related to him.

Suddenly finding himself in a high-stakes chase, Jae-beom narrowly escapes danger, only to be involved in a major car accident. He, along with nearly ten other individuals, arrives in a peculiar realm known as 'The Middle World' – a place that bridges the gap between life and death, existing on the precipice of existence.

Directed by Kang Yoon-sung, renowned for successes like 'The Outlaws' and Disney+'s 'Casino', 'The Middle World' began as a proposal for an AI-driven short film. However, it evolved into a feature-length project. Due to significant budget constraints, the narrative remains unfinished, abruptly ending mid-story.

Despite the incomplete narrative, the film boasts a cast of talented actors, including Yang Se-jong, Byun Yo-han, Im Hyeong-jun, Kim Kang-woo, Lee Seok, Lee Moo-saeng, and Bang Hyo-rin, who joined the project based on their trust in Director Kang. The script, originally written 20 years ago, resonates remarkably with contemporary individual desires, maintaining a palpable tension throughout.

The film masterfully depicts the frenzied pursuit driven by greed for vast sums of money, juxtaposed with the desperate survival instincts of souls striving not to vanish between the living and the dead. This narrative powerfully reflects the extreme desires prevalent in today's society.

The integration of AI technology is striking, lending a significant degree of realism to scenes like car crashes and explosions, which were created without actual filming. This advancement points to the inevitable shift from traditional CGI to AI in filmmaking. While some visual elements, particularly the Buddhist guardian spirits, appear somewhat rudimentary, the potential for future refinement through technological progress is evident.

However, the introduction of 'Uncle Tong' in place of the King of Hell detracts from the viewer's immersion. This element feels less like artistic innovation and more like an unnecessary gimmick, undermining the film's otherwise imaginative premise. The outdated action sequences also contribute to a sense of discomfort.

Nevertheless, 'The Middle World' serves as a compelling testament to AI's potential to revolutionize visual effects. The unfinished story, born from budget limitations, paradoxically fuels anticipation for its continuation. Reflecting its incomplete nature, the film is offered at a reduced ticket price of 8,000 KRW.

Netizens have expressed excitement over the innovative use of AI technology, with comments like "The AI effects are truly mind-blowing" and "Yang Se-jong's acting is phenomenal." Many are disappointed by the unfinished storyline, eagerly anticipating a sequel, as seen in remarks like "The story ended too abruptly, I can't wait for the next part!"