In a significant milestone for the global film industry, the omnibus film ‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ is set to make its theatrical debut in South Korea on December 27, 2025.
This experimental project, which explores the frontier of generative AI and human filmmaking, will be screened across 33 CGV theaters nationwide.
Ahead of its official opening, the film successfully held a high-profile audience Q&A session on December 23 at CGV Yongsan I Park Mall.
Moderated by journalist Kwak Myung Dong and attended by the film’s visionary directors, the event highlighted the project’s unique position at the intersection of traditional storytelling and cutting-edge technology.
Five Genres, One Shared Universe
‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ is a collection of five short films that span a diverse range of genres, including science fiction, mystery, zombie, and action.
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While each short tells a distinct story, they are all woven into a shared universe that explores the multifaceted relationship between humanity and technology.
The film aims to provide multiple perspectives on how AI might influence human nature, society, and our collective future.
Journalist Kwak Myung Dong aptly described the release as a “meaningful moment in cinematic history,” noting that audiences can later claim they were present when AI-integrated films first transitioned into mainstream theaters.
The Directors’ Vision: AI as a Creative Tool
The project brought together five distinct directors, each with a unique approach to integrating AI into their creative process.
- Kim Joo Shin (‘Prime Pattern: Echo’): Emphasized that while AI created the raw materials, the “human touch” was essential in assembling those elements into a coherent narrative.
- Kim Young Gi (‘Memory Administration Bureau’): Focused on a hybrid production method, arguing that AI does not replace an actor’s emotions but rather “expands them” by providing new visual and emotional contexts.
- Hong Ki Seon (‘DMZ’): Used AI to reflect the “duality of human nature” through a zombie narrative, intentionally using AI-driven action to create an unpredictable and chaotic atmosphere.
- Song Young Yoon (‘Order in Chaos’): Observed that “AI’s error data” strangely mirrored the human subconscious, reinforcing the idea that the final artistic polish must always come from a human creator.
- Kim Kwang Sik (‘Day One’): Predicted that AI is more likely to revolutionize the world of CGI rather than replace human actors or directors, suggesting a future where AI and live-action films “coexist rather than compete.”
The Essence of Cinema in the Age of Technology
Throughout the Q&A session, the directors maintained a consistent theme: technology is merely a tool, and the “essence of cinema” remains rooted in human-driven stories and emotions.
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They argued that AI should be viewed as an extension of the director’s imagination—a way to push the boundaries of what is visually and narratively possible.
By leveraging AI to handle complex data or generate surreal imagery, the filmmakers were able to focus more deeply on the core human experiences at the heart of their respective shorts.
This collaboration underscores a future where technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the power of human creativity.
Production and Strategic Partnerships
The ambitious project was brought to life through a collaboration between several major production houses, including MBC C&I, The Ape Squad, Studio Freewillusion, and MCA.
Additionally, the telecommunications giant KT served as a co-planner and investor, highlighting the strategic interest of tech companies in the future of entertainment.
Distribution is being handled by KT Studio Genie and Film City SMC. This level of institutional support suggests that ‘Code: G’ is not just a fringe experiment but a serious contender in the evolving landscape of 21st-century cinema.
A New Chapter for Moviegoers
As ‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ begins its nationwide run, it offers moviegoers a glimpse into the potential future of the medium.
The film challenges traditional notions of authorship and production, inviting audiences to reconsider what it means to create art in an increasingly digital world.
For those interested in the future of film, technology, or the human condition, ‘Code: G’ stands as an essential viewing experience.
As Director Kim Kwang Sik noted, the film represents the start of a journey where human and machine creativity will walk hand-in-hand to tell stories that were previously unimaginable.
