The increased development and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the creative industry has sparked a growing demand for the codification of regulations in order to protect the intellectual property rights of artists. Recently, the Korean digital comics platform Naver Webtoon released Toon Filter, an AI image generator that transforms a photo into the drawing styles of 10 popular artists whose works appear on the platform. This AI tool quickly rose to fame, becoming an instant sensation with over 20 million images generated in the first week of its launch and ultimately attracting over 30 foreign countries. The issue of artist rights has sparked criticism , with several online users worrying that Toon Filter could undermine the rights of creators.
Naver Webtoon, however, has publicly declared their efforts to protect the creative ecosystem, as well as to aid artists with technology, by involving the 10 artists prior to the launch and ensuring their consent for the AI service. Despite this, many web comic artists have voiced their concern, noting that the advancement of the AI technology poses a substantial threat to their creative existence. In an effort to address this issue, legislators and academics held a forum at the National Assembly to discuss measures for the regulations of AI technology.
Meanwhile, the European Union is lobbying an amendment to the Content Industry Promotion Act which requires notification of the use of AI for creative work. This, along with other initiatives, highlights the need for a transparent, ethical development of AI technology while providing creators with the rightful compensation for the use of their artistic works.
Naver Webtoon, or short WTN, is the first and largest webtoon service provider in South Korea which provides artistic comics and albums drawn on its platform. Founded in 2004, it has grown to become the country’s most predominant digital platform which is growing in global reach, especially in Asia. In addition to Toon Filter, Naver Webtoon has pioneered the use of AI with other services such as the AI Painter and their newly launched Augmented Reality (AR). The company plans to launch their innovative Auto Drawing feature – which will generate fully colored comics automatically – in the near future.
Lee Sang-heon is a lawmaker from the main opposition political party, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). He proposes legislative measures in regards to the AI technology that would allow for the proper use of AI along with its transparent and ethical development. He is also among the few lawmakers present at the forum at the National Assembly to discuss the necessary regulations for AI use in the creative industry.
