*Editor’s note: K-VIBE invites experts from various K-culture sectors to share their extraordinary discovery about the Korean culture. 

 

Matthew Lim's AI Innovation Story: Necessity of a Korean-Language LLM

 

By Matthew Lim, AI expert and director of the Korean Association of AI Management (Former Head of Digital Strategy Research at Shinhan DS)

 

 

When most people hear the name Alfred Nobel, they immediately think of the Nobel Prize. Recently, with author Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, interest in this prestigious award has only grown. 

 

Yet, there is profound meaning in the history of the award itself that warrants reflection. Known for inventing dynamite, Nobel originally intended it to be a revolutionary tool for construction. However, it soon became a deadly weapon used in warfare.

 

In 1888, Nobel experienced a life-changing moment. When his brother died, a French newspaper mistakenly published an obituary for Alfred instead. The article called him the "merchant of death," denouncing him for the destructive consequences of his invention. Shocked by this, Nobel was moved to consider how he would be remembered. As a result, he decided to dedicate his wealth to awards honoring those who advanced humanity, creating the Nobel Prizes. 

 

Nobel’s story serves as a reminder to modern society: technology itself is neither good nor evil; it’s how we choose to use it that matters. This truth applies to today’s AI technologies as well.

 

▲ Political activists call for counter-measure policies against deepfake crimes in Seoul on Sept. 12, 2024. (Yonhap)

 

◇ The Deepfake Issue and Ethical Challenges

 

One stark example of AI misuse today is in the realm of “deepfake” technology. Recently, a shocking case in August underscored the severe ethical concerns surrounding deepfake technology. In what became known as the “Telegram Deepfake Pornography Distribution Case,” explicit images using a graduate from Inha University’s face were created through deepfake technology and circulated online. 

 

Accompanied by the victim’s personal information, these manipulated photos and voice clips were shared in Telegram chat rooms, where perpetrators even sent harassing messages to the victim. This incident highlighted how AI’s misuse can lead to devastating consequences for individuals’ privacy, dignity, and mental well-being.

 

Beyond individual cases, there’s an alarming trend of using deepfake technology to target specific professions, with “humiliating” content aimed at female soldiers, teachers, and journalists. Originally intended for positive applications such as in film production or educational content, deepfake technology has proven to be a powerful, yet potentially harmful tool when used maliciously. This underscores the pressing need to address the ethical dilemmas AI technology introduces.

 

◇ Technology Neutrality and Human Responsibility

 

As AI technology rapidly advances, it not only brings incredible benefits but also poses significant ethical challenges. AI’s influence has already permeated our daily lives, but the effects ultimately depend on how we wield this technology. 

 

Even the same AI tool can be a force for good or harm, depending on the user’s intentions and methods. Thus, the ethical issues surrounding AI are rooted less in the technology itself than in the ethical consciousness of those who use it.

 

When discussing AI ethics, conversations often center on the moral framework of AI models themselves. Efforts to train AI on unbiased data and to design algorithms for fair decision-making are undoubtedly critical. Yet, it’s equally essential to remember that AI remains a tool created and operated by humans. Regardless of how ethically sound an AI might be in design, the intentions and actions of its users can result in drastically different outcomes.

 

Facial recognition technology is one illustrative case. It has practical applications in crime prevention and locating missing persons, but it can also infringe on personal privacy or contribute to discrimination if misused. Ultimately, it is humanity’s responsibility to determine the scope and ethical boundaries of these applications, highlighting the need for our ethical judgement to progress alongside AI.

 

▲ This image depicts the deepfake technology. (Yonhap)

 

◇ Why Ethical AI Usage Matters

 

Human ethical usage is especially crucial due to the inherent limitations of AI. Unlike humans, AI operates based on data and algorithms without understanding context or making moral judgments. For example, if someone asks an AI chatbot for illegal or unethical information, the AI might provide it without considering the implications. In such cases, the responsibility for that information’s use falls solely on the user.

 

Recognizing these limitations, it becomes vital that everyone using AI possess an awareness of its boundaries and the ethical discernment necessary for its responsible use. As technology continues to develop, so too must our ethical capacity to manage it effectively. 

 

The Nobel Prize, born from reflection on the ethical use of technology, reminds us that with AI, as with all powerful innovations, the true measure of progress lies in our commitment to ethical integrity and responsibility.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]