Giantstep is a South Korean creative technology company that develops hyper-realistic digital humans using real-time engines, motion capture, machine learning, and Unreal Engine. Their flagship project, Project Vincent, showcased the studio’s ability to produce lifelike virtual humans capable of real-time facial expressions and interaction. They also collaborated with Naver on the virtual influencer SORI and have been involved in media, advertising, fashion, and entertainment applications for digital humans. Giantstep integrates digital human solutions into immersive content like XR concerts, K-pop fan experiences, and metaverse commerce. The company has received recognition for its VFX and real-time content capabilities, notably earning an Epic Games MegaGrant for their innovation in digital human technology.
Kakao Corporation, through its AI subsidiary Kakao Brain, has been actively developing digital humans (virtual humans) and AI character services that allow users to interact with lifelike avatars in conversational settings. These efforts include transforming 2D images into 3D virtual beings and integrating speech and expression technologies. Kakao has introduced AI personalities and digital humans as part of broader initiatives in metaverse and content services, including potential applications in storytelling, virtual companionship, and entertainment. The company has also invested in digital human startups, such as Cleon, and is working on differentiating its platform with large-scale AI models, avatars, and immersive content. These developments are positioned within Kakao’s vision of expanding its AI and digital identity technologies across services like messaging, media, and commerce.
Kakao's entertainment business, Kakao Entertainment Corp.
Klleon is a South Korean AI tech startup specializing in real-time, interactive digital humans created using proprietary "DeepHuman" technology. Founded by CEO Jin Seung-hyuk, Klleon can generate lifelike virtual humans from just one photo and 30 seconds of audio. The company developed Klleon Studio, a platform that allows users to experience and create conversational digital avatars. Klleon has collaborated with major corporations like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic, and launched unique technologies such as head-swapping and AI-generated media personalities. It also provides solutions for preventing misuse of digital humans through watermarking. Recognized by Gartner as a 2023 Cool Vendor in Metaverse & Immersive Experience, Klleon has showcased its innovations at global events like NVIDIA GTC and CES.
KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology) is actively researching and developing digital human technologies that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, and immersive media. Their innovations include “MetaHumanoids,” which combine realistic digital humans with humanoid robots for interactive telepresence, allowing remote users to project themselves into physical robots. KIST has developed silhouette mesh-based interaction systems, 3D capture photobooths for digital human modeling, and holographic visualization without glasses. Applications range from education and mental health counseling to film previsualization and financial services. Collaborations with institutions such as Hana Bank aim to bring digital humans into digital finance. KIST also engages in standardization efforts and participates in exhibitions and workshops to showcase its advancements in digital human generation, interaction, and augmentation.
South Korea is launching a government-backed campaign to promote transit tourism using AI-generated digital humans as interactive ambassadors, integrated into smart tourism infrastructure like multilingual kiosks and automated services. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is leading the initiative, having announced a significant procurement budget and incorporating the project into its broader digital transformation strategy, which includes smart ESG goals and immersive digital content. KTO is implementing the program both domestically and internationally, leveraging its VisitKorea platform and regional offices to support deployment and promotion. The campaign reflects a national push to modernize tourism engagement through advanced digital technologies.
Krafton, best known for PUBG, is actively expanding into virtual human technologies as part of its broader push into Web3, metaverse, and AI-based content. The company unveiled its hyper-realistic virtual human ANA, developed using Unreal Engine, showcasing lifelike facial expressions, hair, and motion-captured body movements. ANA is positioned as both a virtual influencer and an AI-driven character for future entertainment content. Krafton also collaborated with Neo Entertainment D.X. to create another digital human, Winnie, for promotional use in mobile games. These initiatives align with Krafton’s strategy to diversify beyond games into AI-driven storytelling, cinematic content, and digital avatars, using deep learning, facial rigging, and NVIDIA's ACE digital human technology.
LG AI Research is actively advancing digital human technology through its large-scale AI initiatives. Its most notable creation is Tilda, the first AI human based on large-scale AI models, who debuted at New York Fashion Week, distinguishing herself from earlier virtual humans that served only as models or influencers. LG is leveraging digital humans not just for entertainment, but also to explore new business opportunities and enhance personalized customer experiences. The organization integrates these technologies into broader AI-based pipelines, including motion graphics and character generation, and emphasizes the societal value of AI for humanity.
Lotte has actively developed and promoted virtual humans, particularly through Lotte Homeshopping’s creation of Lucy, a virtual influencer who serves as a model, show host, and brand ambassador. Introduced by a dedicated digital human team, Lucy has become a prominent figure in fashion marketing, including as the official model for the designer brand DEBB+ and a participant in live commerce, even selling artworks. She is also positioned for global expansion, including appearances in Thailand. Lotte Group has incorporated digital human technology across multiple affiliates—Lotte Chilsung introduced the virtual fashion model RyuID, and Lotte Innovate signed an MOU with Mimic Productions to enhance hyper-realistic content. The company sees digital humans as a key element of its metaverse and AI strategies, launching initiatives like the AI project "LaiLAC" and integrating these technologies into broader retail, entertainment, and marketing efforts to engage younger audiences and expand its intellectual property portfolio.
Maum.ai (operated by the company MindsLab) is a South Korean AI platform focused on developing digital humans and human-like AI services. Established in 2014, MindsLab has launched the “Human AI” product line that includes AI humans like M1, combining voice, vision, language, and avatar technologies. The company provides a cloud-based AI service platform, maum.ai, which integrates over 40 advanced AI engines and APIs. Maum.ai supports a wide range of applications including personalized AI chatbots, AI video generation, voice synthesis, and real-time conversational agents for industries like finance, retail, tourism, education, and customer service. MindsLab is also expanding globally, showcasing its full-3D digital humans at CES 2024 and forming partnerships for specialized AI services. The company is positioning its AI humans as scalable replacements for roles such as bank tellers, announcers, and tour guides, and is pursuing commercialization through a subscription model and IPO activities.