TLDR: During a Korea Times book talk, best-selling author Jang Ryu-jin expressed a nuanced view on artificial intelligence in creative writing. While acknowledging AI’s efficiency in generating formulaic stories, she firmly believes it cannot produce works of profound depth and artistry, such as the acclaimed film ‘Parasite.’ Jang, who previously worked with an AI app, maintains an optimistic outlook, suggesting AI could assist with groundwork rather than replace true creative genius.
SEOUL, South Korea – Best-selling author Jang Ryu-jin, known for her novel ‘To the Moon,’ shared her insights on the evolving relationship of artificial intelligence and creative writing during a recent book talk organized by The Korea Times. The event, held alongside the 56th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards ceremony at Kyobo Building in central Seoul, saw Jang articulate a perspective that balances optimism with a clear understanding of AI’s current limitations in artistic creation.
Jang Ryu-jin posited that while AI possesses the capability to rapidly produce certain types of narratives, particularly those adhering to established formulas or structures, it falls short when it comes to crafting stories of significant depth or artistry. ‘I think AI (artificial intelligence) can very quickly produce certain types of stories — like, ‘make me a story like this’ or ‘make me a story like that,’ especially ones that follow a certain formula or structure,’ Jang stated. However, she drew a distinct line, asserting, ‘But when it comes to stories that reach a certain level of depth or artistry, I don’t think AI could ever create those.’
She used the critically acclaimed 2019 Academy Award-winning film ‘Parasite,’ co-written by director Bong Joon-ho, as a benchmark for human creative genius that AI cannot replicate. ‘I really don’t think AI could ever make something like Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite,” she emphasized. Instead, Jang sees AI as a potential tool to streamline the more mundane aspects of the writing process. ‘I actually think AI could be helpful in taking care of some of the tedious groundwork that comes before the real creative process,’ she added.
Jang’s positive outlook on AI contrasts with the growing concerns among many writers globally who fear for their livelihoods amidst the rise of artificial intelligence. Her perspective is informed by personal experience, having worked at an IT company and been involved with the AI app Clova prior to becoming a full-time writer. ‘I got to see, at least a bit, what goes on behind the scenes — how it’s built, how it works under the hood. Maybe that’s why I think this way. But at the end of the day, it’s still something made by people, right?’ she explained.
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The book talk also touched upon her successful novel ‘To the Moon,’ which follows three working-class women navigating the world of cryptocurrency. Since its 2021 publication, the novel has become a bestseller in Korea and has been translated into multiple languages, including German, Turkish, and recently, English. Jang expressed her satisfaction with the book’s journey, likening it to a parent watching a grown child thrive independently. The English translator, Halbert, noted that the novel delves into themes beyond just money, exploring solidarity among women and co-workers.
