TLDR: South Korea has officially debuted ‘Run to the West,’ its first domestic feature-length film to extensively utilize artificial intelligence in its production. Directed by Kang Yoon-sung, known for ‘The Outlaws,’ the 61-minute chase-action thriller employs AI for complex visual effects like creature designs and large-scale environmental destruction, blending AI-generated elements with live-action performances by a human cast.
Seoul, South Korea – October 17, 2025 – A new era in filmmaking has dawned in South Korea with the official debut of ‘Run to the West,’ the nation’s first domestic feature-length film to integrate artificial intelligence extensively into its production pipeline. The film, which premiered on October 15th at CGV theaters, marks a significant milestone in the application of AI in commercial cinema.
Directed by the acclaimed Kang Yoon-sung, known for his work on ‘The Outlaws’ Part 1 and Disney+’s ‘Big Bet,’ ‘Run to the West’ is a 60-61 minute chase-action thriller. The narrative centers on a group of characters — including NIS agent Lee Jang-won (Byun Yo-han), police officer Jo Min-young (Kim Kang-woo), actress Seol Ah (Bang Hyo-rin), and broadcasting PD Kim Seok-tae (Lim Hyung-joon) — who find themselves trapped in a liminal space between life and death after a traffic accident. They are relentlessly pursued by otherworldly grim reapers, depicted as the Twelve Zodiac Animals and the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhism, through iconic Seoul locations like Anguk Station, Jogyesa Temple, and Gwanghwamun Square.
The groundbreaking aspect of ‘Run to the West’ lies in its innovative use of AI. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on green screens and post-production CGI, this film utilized generative AI for a significant portion of its visual effects. AI was instrumental in creating the intricate designs of the creature antagonists, as well as executing large-scale environmental effects such as vehicle explosions, building collapses, and the destruction of cityscapes. This approach allowed human actors to perform on set, with AI seamlessly generating the complex visual elements around them.
Director Kang Yoon-sung revealed that the project evolved from an initial proposal for an AI short film while he was working on the Disney+ series ‘Low Life’ last year. He adapted a script he had written 25 years ago, ‘Mobius,’ into this feature-length project in collaboration with KT. Kang noted that while previous AI films like ‘Me, Moonhee’ and ‘M Hotel’ (both short films) demonstrated limitations, ‘Run to the West’ represents a significant leap forward in AI’s capabilities within the industry.
Lead actor Byun Yo-han expressed his excitement and nervousness about being part of the country’s first AI-utilized film. He stated, ‘I participated with various thoughts on how AI can be utilized in the film industry and how far it can go.’ He emphasized the irreplaceable role of human creativity, adding, ‘Ultimately, I felt that without human imagination and creativity, such as directors, actors, and staff, AI cannot exist.’ He humorously hoped for headlines like ‘Actors Who Outperformed AI.’ Director Kang echoed this sentiment, asserting that AI cannot replace the realm of actors.
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While some critics have noted that the film exhibits typical AI video artifacts, such as occasional distortion or cartoonishness in creature designs, these imperfections are generally not seen as significantly hindering immersion. The film is praised for its ‘decent action’ sequences, though some commentary suggests a ‘weak storyline.’ Nevertheless, ‘Run to the West’ stands as a pivotal moment, showcasing AI’s potential to enhance cinematic spectacle and pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in modern filmmaking.
