Lee Byung-hun Expresses Concern Over AI Actors: 'It's Already Reality, Not the Future'

Veteran actor Lee Byung-hun, known for his captivating performances, has voiced significant concerns regarding the advancement of AI acting technology.

In a recent interview following the release of his film 'The Unavoidable', Lee Byung-hun stated, "It's no longer the future, it's already a reality." He shared personal experiences of encountering AI-generated content that left him deeply unsettled.

Lee described an instance where a colleague was shown an AI video impersonating him, leading to shock and disbelief. He also revealed seeing AI-generated clips of himself, particularly referencing moments from 'Squid Game', which elicited a mix of awe at the technology and profound unease about its implications.

Reflecting on the potential impact on the film industry, Lee pondered, "What will happen to movies in the future?" He expressed apprehension about AI's growing capabilities in areas like scriptwriting, directing, and music composition, drawing parallels to the recent Hollywood strikes. Lee emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures, stating, "We need to prepare countermeasures as well. We cannot afford to be complacent and be consumed by it all."

'The Unavoidable', a film starring Lee Byung-hun, has garnered international attention, having been selected for prestigious film festivals including the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and the 30th Busan International Film Festival. It is also South Korea's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards, sparking anticipation for a potential nomination.

He further elaborated on his conversations with fellow actors about AI, noting, "We think of it as already reality, not something that will happen in the future."

Recalling a specific incident, he said, "I thought a video was funny and showed it to the colleague in the video, but they said it wasn't them. When I asked 'When did you film this?', I was surprised because they said it was them. It was chilling."

Lee also shared his reaction to his own AI-generated content: "I saw my AI videos too. I saw a lot of them during 'Squid Game'. While watching a bromance video of myself and Lee Jung-jae, I was surprised, thinking 'When did we film this?'. I exclaimed, 'Ah! No!' and was startled (laughs). At first, I thought it was fascinating and incredibly well-made, but then the thought arose, 'What will happen to us from now on?'"

He continued, "What will happen to movies in the future?" He speculated, "If a director says, 'Write me a screenplay with this kind of plot,' it might be made. This could happen to writers, directors, and even musicians. The Hollywood strike isn't a distant future. Therefore, while Hollywood is contemplating how to resolve these issues, I believe we also need to establish countermeasures. We shouldn't be caught off guard and allow ourselves to be completely encroached upon," he expressed his concerns.

Lee Byung-hun's prolific career in 2024 includes not only 'The Unavoidable' but also upcoming projects like Netflix's 'Squid Game' seasons 2 and 3, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', and films 'The Match' and 'King of Kings'. He is widely recognized for elevating the quality of his productions through his exceptional acting skills, extending beyond voice acting. His versatile performances across film and streaming platforms continue to capture global attention.