Cocoa‘s latest venture into artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked significant backlash after the company’s use IVE member Jang Wonyoungto demonstrate their new AI assistant, “Kanana”.
Although the technology was intended to showcase the integration between artificial intelligence and intellectual property, many fans and netizens expressed concerns, particularly regarding the idol’s involvement.
Today’s Kakao launch their AI companions called “Kanana”. They are using Jang Wonyoung’s voice as proof. It has been presented as an example of combining AI technology and content intellectual property (IP)#JANGWONYOUNG #JangWonyoung #wonyoung pic.twitter.com/fbjI8BksOy
— INA-NYEONG 🐰 (@JWY_ind) October 22, 2024
The main question revolves around the ethical implications of using Wonyoung’s voice, especially without explicit public confirmation of his consent. Fans fear this sets a dangerous precedent for the potential misuse of AI-generated voices, particularly when it comes to the personal autonomy of public figures such as idols.
Many fear that such technology could be misused for malicious purposes, and some point to the danger that AI-generated content will contribute to the growing problem of deepfakes and other exploitative uses against South Korean women, including celebrities.
Korean women sexually exploited by AI have generated deep fakes, Wonyoung herself has been massively targeted, and Kakao steps in and hands them the keys to generate her voice on those videos too. Fuck you, oh my God. https://t.co/59V1Jqx4SF
— Cassie ۭۧ (@reikomia) October 22, 2024
fuck Kakao, fuck this ai technology, fuck the spaceship if they agreed, fuck everyone involved in this after all that has been exposed surround ai in sokor DON’T FUCKING RELEASE THIS https://t.co/ltgH1a9AFf
— eni .ᐟ (@aidollze) October 22, 2024
Kakao, however, presented their AI technology as a way to leverage relationships and connections, which they see as their strength. Jeong Without AhCEO of the company, emphasized that their goal is to provide a unique user experience by focusing on service-centric AI, particularly through the expansion of these personal connections.
Despite these assurances, public opinion remains divided. The use of Wonyoung’s voice has heightened concerns about idol safety, privacy and the potential misuse of AI technology. As generative AI continues to evolve, many are calling for stricter guidelines to protect public figures from exploitation in the digital age, particularly when it comes to using their image or voice without transparent consent.
it’s so messed up. why does Kakao act like the idols are completely okay with it? literally out of their minds and just don’t see idols as human beings with rights https://t.co/ov7wn12h3z pic.twitter.com/t0l9Ezksx6
— 🪄✩ 🍉 (@FORSUNREIS) October 22, 2024
Kakao has yet to directly respond to the growing controversy, leaving many fans waiting for further clarification on how the company plans to address these concerns.
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