▲ Statement posted on the social media of the e-book subscription service app 'Book Thief' on the 25th
An e-book subscription service app that allowed users to own hundreds of classic literary works for life at a low price has sparked controversy after it was belatedly revealed that it used artificial intelligence (AI) for translation.
According to the publishing industry on Tuesday, the app "Book Thief," which launched late last year, is a service that provides domestic and international classic literature whose copyright protection periods have expired in the form of e-books.
By paying 19,800 won, users gain lifetime access to electronic versions of classic literary works such as "The Iliad" and "Gulliver's Travels."
The number of works uploaded to the app has reached approximately 730 so far.
The app is known to have about 1,000 users.
The app operator has announced plans to raise the price of its paid membership to 49,000 won starting August 1.
However, due to the rapidly growing number of works and low translation quality following the service's launch, criticisms continuously arose questioning whether AI was being used.
As user inquiries persisted, the operator admitted to using AI in a notice posted on social media on the 25th.
However, the company explained, "We do not produce them carelessly just because we use AI translation," adding, "We produced the highest level of quality by thoroughly refining and reviewing them through the collective intelligence of students from prestigious universities."
Nonetheless, users raised issues over the fact that the use of AI was not disclosed in advance.
One user pointed out, "Until the company announced its use of AI translation via social media, consumers were never informed that the service was based on AI translation," adding, "There was no notice or disclosure regarding the use of AI translation on the paid service payment screen, in the terms of service, or anywhere else on the platform."
The user also expressed frustration, saying, "If I had known they were AI-translated books, I would not have purchased them."
As the controversy grew, the operator posted an apology on social media and announced that it would issue full refunds to users who made payments before July 27 upon request.
The company added that it would transparently disclose the use of AI and the translation process across all service channels and content moving forward.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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