This talk explores the global phenomenon of Korean culture through the concept of K-Everything, moving beyond individual genres to consider Korean culture as an expansive emotional, aesthetic, and relational ecosystem. It asks how rapidly advancing artificial intelligence is reshaping the nature and practice of cultural diplomacy.
Korea currently stands at the forefront of digital soft power, with cultural influence driven not only by technology but by emotion, empathy, and participation. In this presentation, AI is approached not merely as a tool, but as a companion—a technology capable of interacting with human feelings, memories, and cultural interpretation. From this perspective, K-culture acquires new depth and diversity.
Drawing on three experimental initiatives undertaken in the UK, the speaker introduces emerging models of AI-enabled cultural diplomacy: an AI reinterpretation of Korean national heritage (2023); a digital heritage project translating human emotion into sound through AI (2024); and an exhibition using large language models to present Korean culture in ways attuned to British audiences (2025).
Together, these cases illustrate a shift in cultural diplomacy — from representation to relationship, and from display to shared experience — positioning Korea as a key contributor to the future frameworks of culture in the AI age.
The evening also includes a reception with canapés inspired by Korean cuisine including Mandu and Kimbap and a welcome drink.
About the speaker
Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK & Director, Korean Cultural Centre UK (until February 2026)
Dr. Seunghye Sun is a distinguished art historian and cultural diplomat dedicated to bridging the past and future of K-Culture. Having served as the Minister-Counselor and Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UK, she has been at the forefront of global cultural exchange. Her unique career spans prestigious roles, including Director of Cultural Exchanges at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Korea, Director of the Daejeon Museum of Art, and Curator at the Cleveland Museum of Art (USA). Notably, as a former Adjunct Professor at the KAIST Graduate School of Culture Technology, she possesses rare expertise in merging fine arts with cutting-edge AI technology. Dr. Sun is currently redefining cultural diplomacy through her vision of “K-Everything with AI.”
Other info
The University Women’s Club may be taking photos throughout the event that will be used for their social media and marketing. Do please let the host know if you do not wish your image to be used.
I was told this was on zoom but the zoom link didn’t work.
Hopefully the session will be recorded so I can watch it
I believe a recording of the session will be available to club members.