Kakao Uses IVE Jang Wonyoung’s Voice For Their AI Assistant, Sparks Controversy Over Sexual Exploitation
Kakao‘s latest venture into artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked significant backlash after the company used IVE member Jang Wonyoung’s voice to demonstrate their new AI assistant, “Kanana.”
While the technology was meant to showcase the integration of AI and intellectual property, many fans and netizens have expressed concerns, particularly about the idol’s involvement.
Today's Kakao launching their AI mates called "Kanana". They're using Jang Wonyoung's voice for demonstration. It was presented as an example of combining AI technology and content intellectual property (IP)#JANGWONYOUNG #장원영 #ウォニョン pic.twitter.com/fbjI8BksOy
— INA-NYEONG 🐰 (@JWY_ind) October 22, 2024
The main issue centers around the ethical implications of using Wonyoung’s voice, especially without explicit public confirmation of her consent. Fans fear that this sets a dangerous precedent for the potential misuse of AI-generated voices, particularly when it comes to the personal autonomy of public figures like idols.
Many worry that such technology could be misused for harmful purposes, with some noting the danger of AI-generated content contributing to the rising issue of deepfakes and other exploitative uses targeting South Korean women, including celebrities.
Korean women getting sexually exploited from AI generated deep fakes, Wonyoung herself being massively targeted, and Kakao jumps in and hands them the keys to generating her voice over those videos now too. FUCK YALL omg. https://t.co/59V1Jqx4SF
— Cassie ୨୧ (@reikkomia) October 22, 2024
fuck kakao, fuck this ai tech, fuck starship if they agreed to this, fuck everybody involved in this after everything that was exposed surround ai in sokor DON'T FUCKING RELEASE THIS https://t.co/ltgH1a9AFf
— eni .ᐟ (@aidollze) October 22, 2024
Kakao, however, presented their AI technology as a way to leverage relationships and connections, which they consider their core strength. Jeong Sin Ah, the company’s CEO, emphasized that their goal is to provide a unique user experience by focusing on service-centered AI, particularly through the expansion of these personal connections.
Despite these assurances, the public remains divided. The use of Wonyoung’s voice has heightened concerns about idol safety, privacy, and the potential for misuse of AI technology. As generative AI continues to evolve, many are calling for stricter guidelines to protect public figures from exploitation in the digital age, particularly when it comes to using their likeness or voice without transparent consent.
this is so fucked. why is kakao acting like idols are completely okay with this? literally out of their minds and just not seeing idols as human beings with rights https://t.co/ov7wn12h3z pic.twitter.com/t0l9Ezksx6
— 🪄✩ 🍉 (@FORSUNREIS) October 22, 2024
Kakao has yet to directly respond to the growing controversy, leaving many fans awaiting further clarification on how the company intends to address these concerns.
