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AI-powered subtitles bring Korean theatre to life for international fans
Artificial intelligence synchronises translated scripts by responding to live spoken cues
The South Korean government has significantly increased its support for the domestic theatre industry, earmarking $18 million for Korean musicals in 2026—a massive $14 million jump from the previous year.
This investment is being paired with "Owl," a new AI-powered wearable from startup Xpert Inc., which aims to eliminate language barriers for international audiences without requiring productions to be translated into English.
The Owl glasses connect to a mobile application and project real-time subtitles onto the lenses in English, Japanese, or Chinese.
Unlike traditional surtitles that require a manual operator, the glasses use artificial intelligence to recognise spoken cues on stage and synchronise the text instantly.
This technology allows viewers to remain focused on the live performances rather than glancing away at a side screen.
The push for global expansion follows the historic success of Maybe Happy Ending, which won six Tony Awards on Broadway in 2024.
While some producers seek English adaptations, others, like Hwang Ki Hyun of Project Jiwoo, believe global audiences prefer the original Korean performances.
This sentiment is echoed by academics who point to the "BTS effect," where fans embrace Korean-language media in its native form.
