South Korean Animation ‘Leafie’ Gets a 4K Makeover Thanks to AI – But Does It Capture the Heart of the Original?

South Korea’s Film Industry Embraces AI with ‘Leafie’ Remaster

South Korea’s film industry is diving into the world of AI, experimenting with tools that are transforming both classic and new productions.

Recently, "Leafie, a Hen into the Wild," a key piece of Korean animation, received a vibrant AI-driven upgrade.

Also known as Daisy, A Hen into the Wild is the title used in English-speaking countries.

The remastering was handled by Inshorts, a tech startup that launched just last year, which used its innovative "Super-scaler" technology to transform the beloved 2011 animated film into stunning 4K resolution.

A Fresh Look at a Beloved Classic

"Leafie," based on Hwang Sun-mi's famous fable, is more than just an animated film; it's a cultural touchstone that captivated 2.2 million viewers with its heartwarming tale of a hen raising a duckling.

The story follows Leafie, a hen destined for a life of confinement in a chicken coop, who escapes in search of freedom.

Along her journey, she finds and nurtures a discarded duck egg, embracing motherhood in an unlikely but beautiful bond.

The AI remaster injects new vitality into the film, with enhanced details and vivid natural settings that breathe life into every scene, from tranquil lakesides to snowy landscapes.

Revolutionising Film Restoration

In the past, film restoration was a meticulous process requiring frame-by-frame examination to remove blemishes.

In contrast, today’s AI technology, like that used by Inshorts, speeds up the process by learning from extensive video archives to reconstruct images with exceptional precision.

"It cuts time by 10 times and costs by half," said Inshorts CEO Andy Lee, highlighting the efficiency of their approach.

Pushing Boundaries with AI-Generated Films

Beyond restoration, South Korean filmmakers are exploring AI to create entirely new cinematic experiences.

December witnessed the release of "It’s Me, Mun-hee," where veteran actress Na Mun-hee’s likeness was generated through AI, portraying her in various roles without her physical presence.

The short film, which premiered on 24 December, showcases AI’s potential to redefine acting.

Another milestone was achieved with "M Hotel," a fully AI-generated short film that premiered on 11 December.

The 6.5-minute production, created by CJ ENM's AI team, follows the story of a homeless person who finds a mysterious hotel key.

This film has garnered international attention, winning awards at prestigious festivals such as Venice’s Reply AI Film Festival and the Busan International Artificial Intelligence Film Festival.

The Debate Over AI’s Realism in Film

While the technical achievements of AI in film are impressive, they have also stirred discussions about the visual quality of AI-generated characters.

Critics have pointed out that these digital creations often look too perfect, with unnaturally smooth textures, particularly on elderly faces, leading to an uncanny and sometimes unsettling effect.

As South Korea’s film industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI, it faces the challenge of balancing technological innovation with the desire to preserve the emotional depth and authenticity that audiences cherish.