Chinese video generation AI platform Kling AI is expanding its efforts to discover the next generation of video creators and enhance industry collaboration from its base in South Korea. The company aims to build an AI video creation ecosystem that connects young creators with the broadcasting and film production sectors through university competitions and a global 4K video contest.
At the 'NextGen Campus, 4K Visions: Kling AI NextGen Awards Ceremony' held on July 7 at the Seoul Film Center, Zeng Yushen, the global operations head of Kling AI, stated, "Presenting the results of the competitions today signifies that Kling AI's global ecosystem for emerging creators has officially entered a new stage of development. We will go beyond just supporting competitions to incubate outstanding creators in the long term and further enhance the global youth creator framework."
Zeng emphasized the role of AI video technology, saying, "Technology should not remain as cold code; it must serve as a medium that helps creative ideas come to life. We need to lower the technical barriers of traditional video production so that all free and imaginative ideas can be transformed into professional videos."
Kling AI, a video generation platform under the Chinese short-form platform Kuaishou, has rapidly expanded its global creator base since its launch in June 2024. In April, it introduced a native 4K mode in its 'Kling Video 3.0' series, allowing direct output of 4K quality during the creation stage. This development has enabled Kling AI to broaden the application of AI video production into industries such as broadcasting, film, and advertising.
The awards ceremony was organized to share the results of three competitions: the 'NextGen 2026 Korea University Creative Challenge,' the 'Campus AIGC Creation Contest' for Chinese university students, and the '4K Short Film Creative Contest' for global creators. According to the company, approximately 9,000 creators from major universities in Korea and China participated, submitting over 12,700 works. After a review process, 31 outstanding entries were selected.
The Korean competition was conducted by Kling AI in collaboration with the Korean Media Policy Association and MBC C&I, targeting major universities such as Korea University, Konkuk University, and Chung-Ang University. A total of 4,215 applicants submitted 1,084 works from 60 universities. During the competition period, workshops on generative AI video production were also held at universities including Hongik University, Dong Seoul University, Korea University, Chung-Ang University, and Inha University.
Zeng expressed his admiration for the submitted works, stating, "I was deeply impressed by the clear creativity and solid production quality of the young creators. The works contained not only cinema-level visual sophistication but also deep observations and reflections on the real world, infused with human warmth."
He added, "The younger generation has shown not only the ability to handle advanced technology but also a sincere desire to express social concerns through video and respond to the questions posed by the times. This proves that AI can take root in a reality filled with human warmth."
Looking ahead, Zeng stated that Kling AI aims to pursue higher industrial standards for video production beyond 4K, saying, "We will continue to support creators worldwide to produce textured, warm, and powerful video works based on efficient, free, and professional creative capabilities."
Kling AI is also expanding its connections in the Korean market. According to the company's introduction materials, Kling AI is collaborating with Studio Metak and Mateo AI Studio under MBC C&I in the field of AI video content. The platform has been utilized in various productions, including the drama 'My Precious Star,' the reality show 'Divorced Singles 7 Australia Edition,' and KBS's historical documentary 'History Special.'
The event was attended by Zeng, Hwang Seon-sook, director of MBC C&I, filmmaker Min Kyudong, Cine21 editor Song Kyung-won, Inha University professor Ha Ju-yong, Dong Seoul University professor Lee Seung-hyun, and Korea University professor Lee Heon-yul, among others from the Korean film and academic community. From the Chinese side, Professor Chen Yi, Professor Chong Fangjun, and Kling AI super creator Han Qing were also present.
Hwang Seon-sook remarked, "AI is a powerful tool, but it is the creator's emotion and imagination that complete it as art. The fact that creators from Korea and China expressed their unique worlds through the same technology demonstrates the potential of creation in the AI era."
Filmmaker Min Kyudong noted, "In my 30 years of making films, while camera and editing methods have continually changed, the human eye's perspective on the world has not. AI is not a threat to replace art but a new tool to carry it further."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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