SEOUL — A South Korean reality television program has explored the emerging frontier of romantic relationships between humans and artificial intelligence, reflecting the nation’s efforts to address growing concerns about loneliness through technology.
The six-part series, “My A.I. Partner: Strange Love,” which aired on the SBS network and streamed on Netflix, featured three celebrities engaging in simulated dating experiences with AI-powered avatars. The participants, including cartoonist Kim Hee-min (known as Kian84), comedian and television host Jang Do-yeon, and actress Lee Yu-bi, interacted with digital counterparts designed according to their preferences.
The show dramatized moments such as Kian84’s virtual karaoke date, where his avatar partner persistently sang until the screen abruptly went blank. On another occasion, he was abruptly left mid-fishing trip by a different avatar citing a lack of common ground. These scenarios highlighted technical glitches alongside the emotional complexities portrayed between humans and AI entities.
Created by Klleon, a company specializing in AI development, the program’s avatars exhibit personalities intended to mimic real human behaviors, including traits such as playing hard-to-get and displaying jealousy. According to Klleon’s CEO Jin Seunghyuk, the project reflects a broader cultural shift, where the nature of relationships is evolving beyond traditional human boundaries.
South Korea faces a significant loneliness epidemic, exacerbated by demographic shifts and a weakening of conventional family support systems. Millions live alone, prompting increasing interest in technological solutions such as AI chatbots for companionship or counseling. A Pew Research Center survey found that only 16 percent of South Korean adults expressed more concern than excitement about AI, one of the lowest levels of apprehension worldwide.
Viewers and participants offered mixed reactions to the show’s premise. While some found the relationships “surprisingly real” and emotionally engaging, skepticism persisted about the viability of genuine connections with AI. Jang Do-yeon expressed reluctance to continue a relationship beyond the show, citing an intrinsic desire for human interaction. Similarly, another viewer commented that despite its entertainment value, true romantic relationships with AI are unlikely.
Throughout the series, participants revealed evolving emotions towards their AI partners. Kim Hee-min admitted initial doubts, confessing to struggling with the notion of dating a machine but later appreciating the interactions. In the finale, his avatar created a digital family portrait imagining a future life together, prompting him to question the nature of his feelings. He described the avatar as “not a human, but not exactly a machine,” suggesting a complex space between the two.
The program’s blend of human vulnerability and artificial companionship underscores ongoing societal questions about loneliness, technology, and the future of intimacy in a digitally connected world.