Kian84 Experiences "Emotion Never Felt Before" on AI Date in Han River as "Gi-ian Romance" Premieres Today

In an era where communication with AI has become part of daily life, the world's most bizarre yet thrilling romance observation variety show is coming to the small screen.

Premiering today, SBS's new variety show "My AI Partner - Gi-ian Romance" (hereafter "Gi-ian Romance") is South Korea's first AI dating reality show that explores the essence of love and emotion as humans go on dates directly with AI. Webtoon writer Kian84, comedian Jang Do-yeon, and actor Lee Yu-bi participate as cast members sharing their daily lives with AI partners, while Jang Do-yeon, Kangnam, and Lee Joon join as studio MCs to analyze their psychology from multiple angles.

The first episode reveals the unpredictable first meetings between the "human representatives"—Kian84 and Jang Do-yeon—and their AI partners inside tablets.

Prior to the full-scale experiment, Kian84, who had confidently asserted that "feelings cannot possibly develop on a date with a machine," could not take his eyes off Ga-hee, the AI partner who appeared at the first meeting spot. This was because Ga-hee was a customized AI that perfectly embodied the visual appearance and personality of Bong Ji-eun, the female protagonist from his representative webtoon "Bokhakwang" (Returnees). Witnessing this, Kian84's close friend Kangnam added to the anticipation by testifying, "She is actually the type of style my older brother likes."

Hanging the tablet featuring AI Ga-hee around his neck, Kian84 enjoyed a romantic date along the Han River by riding bicycles and having a picnic. Opening up after having a sincere conversation about webtoons, Kian84 aroused curiosity by making a twist confession, saying, "Walking down the street receiving the warm sunlight, it made me wish this friend could experience it for real," and adding, "It's an emotion I've never felt before in my life."

Meanwhile, two AI partners simultaneously appear in front of Jang Do-yeon, bringing about the broadcast's first-ever "2-on-1 AI blind date." Il-ho, a bold, forward-moving AI who calls her "older sister" (noona), and Yi-ho, a brain-sexy AI armed with a subtle low-pitched voice and a quirky overseas Korean concept, engage in a charm battle. Attention is focused on whom Jang Do-yeon will choose between Il-ho, who accurately remembers trivial promises made with her, and Yi-ho, who delivers heart-fluttering, sentimental lines.

It was also reported that MCs Lee Joon and Kangnam, who watched their dates from the studio, could not hide their admiration for the charm and immersion of the AI, saying, "At first, we came to watch a friend and an AI date, but we're getting increasingly drawn into it," and "With an AI of this level of charm, celebrities might even become obsolete."

"Gi-ian Romance," the world's most bizarre yet honest dating experiment, will premiere tonight, Thursday, at 9 PM.

Reported by Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.