technology
AI Glasses Enable Real-Time Translation for Korean Theater Audiences
A Korean startup has developed AI-powered glasses that provide real-time translations for live theater performances, allowing non-Korean speakers to follow shows without traditional subtitles. The technology is being implemented in Seoul venues and touring productions to attract international visitors.
Apr 19, 4:32 PM·1m read2 sources
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South Korea is deploying AI-powered glasses to translate live theater performances in real time, aiming to broaden the appeal of its shows to international audiences. , overlays translations directly onto the lenses, keeping viewers immersed in the action. This approach addresses language barriers that have limited the global reach of Korean theater.
The glasses, named Owl, connect to a smartphone app where users select their preferred language, such as English, Japanese, or Chinese. During performances, the AI matches spoken dialogue and lyrics to pre-translated text, displaying it in the user's field of view. This differs from traditional supertitles, which require shifting focus between stage and screen.
early user, Yuroy Wang, a 22-year-old retail worker from Taipei, tested the glasses during a performance of “The Second Chance Convenience Store” in Taiwan.
He reported that the technology allowed him to follow the Korean-language play without prior language knowledge. Wang expressed enthusiasm for the immersion it provided.
