Recreated with AI... SK Vows 'Boldness and Challenge' Guided by Founders' Words

"When people saw the factory reduced to ashes, everyone said it was over. Is there anything in life that comes easy? Running a business was always the same. But I never hesitated when faced with opportunity." (The late Chey Jong-gun, founding chairman of SK Group)

"Do not fear crises. As an entrepreneur, you must always look ten years ahead. We must uphold our principles and standards, while constantly rewriting them." (The late Chey Jong-hyun, former chairman of SK Group)

Images of the late Choi Jonggun, founding chairman (left), and the late Choi Jonghyun, former chairman, created using artificial intelligence (AI) to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of SK Group's founding. SK Group

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SK Group has recreated the words and achievements of its two former chairmen through artificial intelligence (AI). Based on the experiences and messages of the founding generation, the company aimed to reflect on the spirit of boldness and challenge, and to share this with all members as a way to encourage continued growth amid a rapidly changing business environment.

According to SK Group on April 14, the video has been screened since the previous day on the digital display in the lobby of SK Seorin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The video is also broadcast through the company’s internal channel, making it accessible to all SK Group members.

This AI-generated video was created at the suggestion of Chairman Chey Taewon, who proposed, "It would be meaningful to share the DNA of boldness and intellect cherished by SK Group's founding generation with our members through AI."

While SK Group has previously produced videos honoring the founding generation, those were made using computer graphics or with actors in live-action shoots. This is the first time the entire video has been produced with AI. The AI learned from all existing historical materials, including the official company history publications, books authored by the former chairman, and over 3,000 restored audio recordings from last year's "Sunkyung Chronicles," and then composed the narrative and produced the video autonomously.

The video begins with the two founding chairmen rebuilding Sunkyung Textiles from the ashes of the Korean War in 1953, and goes on to recount the growth trajectory of SK Group. Chairman Chey Jong-gun shares his founding principles-"Straighten what is bent, reconnect what is broken, and rebuild what has collapsed"-and describes his conviction behind key milestones such as the decision to produce nylon in 1958, the success of the Chicken Brand lining, and the acquisition of Walkerhill Hotel, stating, "It is my belief that we can do it, we must do it, and if we try, we will succeed."

After the passing of Chairman Chey Jong-gun in 1973, his younger brother, Chey Jong-hyun, carried on the management, recalling, "I pledged to turn Sunkyung into a world-class company." He reflects on his decision and achievement of vertical integration "from petroleum to textiles," while also delivering the message, "Always be prepared and take on new challenges."

At the end of the video, the 2022 anniversary address by Chairman Chey Taewon is featured, stating, "Let us write a new chapter of great progress with the intensity, noble spirit, and solid strength inherited from our two predecessors."

This video was also screened at the Memorial Day event held at Sunhyewon in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on April 8, in celebration of the group’s 73rd anniversary. After watching the video, Chairman Chey commented, "The accuracy of the visuals and audio is already at a significant level, and I believe it will improve even further within a year or two."

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