Yong Ho-seong, who previously served as vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, has launched a new project that combines artificial intelligence with classical literature. The initiative focuses on creating original musical compositions inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. The effort marks a shift from his earlier government role into a more artistic pursuit.
In a recent discussion, Yong explained that the project began as an experiment to explore how technology might support traditional storytelling. He noted that AI tools allowed for rapid generation of melodies and harmonies that reflect the emotional tones found in Shakespearean plays. The resulting pieces aim to make the texts more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The former official emphasized that the technology serves only as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. Composers and musicians remain involved in refining the output and ensuring the music aligns with the dramatic intent of the original texts. Early samples have been shared with select performers for feedback.
Yong described the process as iterative, with multiple rounds of adjustments based on both technical capabilities and artistic judgment. He expressed hope that the project could encourage wider interest in classic literature among younger listeners who might otherwise overlook it.
The work draws on several Shakespeare plays, including well-known tragedies and comedies. Each composition attempts to capture key themes such as ambition, love, and conflict through instrumental arrangements. Vocal elements are kept minimal to focus attention on the narrative structure.
Observers in the cultural sector have shown interest in the approach, viewing it as one example of how public figures can continue contributing to the arts after leaving office. Yong indicated that further collaborations with academic institutions and music organizations are under consideration.
The project remains in development, with plans for public presentations in the coming months. Yong stated that feedback from initial listeners will guide future refinements. He added that the goal is not commercial success but rather an exploration of new ways to connect historical literature with current technology.
Supporters suggest the effort could inspire similar experiments in other countries where classical works are studied. Yong expressed appreciation for the technical experts who assisted in developing the AI models used for the compositions. He stressed the importance of maintaining respect for the source material throughout the creative process.
Details about specific performance dates or recording releases have not yet been announced. The former vice minister continues to work on additional pieces while evaluating responses to the initial set of compositions.
