EBS 2026 Revamp: AI Animation Cuts Production Costs by 10x – Kim Yu-yeol
South Korea’s public broadcaster, EBS, is significantly reducing the cost of producing animated content through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to a press conference held today in Seoul. EBS President Kim Yu-yeol announced that AI-generated animation production costs are expected to be more than ten times lower than traditional methods.
The announcement came during a briefing on EBS’s spring program overhaul, where officials detailed plans for a range of new AI-driven educational programs. Kim Yu-yeol explained that the move towards AI is a response to the financial challenges facing broadcasters, including EBS, and a belief that AI can provide a pathway to sustainability. “Recently, terrestrial broadcasters have been facing a crisis. EBS is no different, but we believe that AI will overcome this crisis,” Kim stated, as reported by multiple Korean news outlets.
EBS established an AI Innovation Committee last year and is now fully implementing AI initiatives, including large-scale projects. According to Kim Kwang-ho, EBS’s Head of Programming, the broadcaster anticipates that AI will allow for the creation of new content that was previously financially unfeasible. “We were able to create new content by applying the advantages of AI technology to the content,” he said.
The broadcaster is addressing concerns about the potential for inaccuracies or confusion arising from AI-generated content by implementing strict quality control measures. Kim Kwang-ho emphasized that EBS has developed AI guidelines and is conducting thorough content reviews, utilizing experts in each field to ensure accuracy. “EBS has deeply considered whether the content can be delivered correctly when implemented with AI, and has also prepared for this,” he explained.
The cost savings associated with AI production are already becoming apparent. EBS cited the example of puppet animation, which traditionally cost between 8 million and 10 million won per project. Outsourcing the same project using AI technology has reduced the production cost to under 7 million won, according to the broadcaster.
EBS has launched a public call for proposals for a collaborative project to create a series of AI-generated animated programs, offering a total budget of 500 million won. The project aims to foster creativity and educational value through the integration of AI technology. The call for submissions, announced on February 11, 2026, requests applicants to submit a project proposal, a description of their work, evidence of AI technology usage, and a video excerpt of at least three minutes. (about.ebs.co.kr)
The move by EBS comes as the broadcaster operates on a limited budget, receiving only 70 won in broadcast reception fees. The adoption of AI is being presented as a strategy to maximize the impact of these limited resources and deliver innovative educational content to the public. (ddaily.co.kr)
Kim Yu-yeol, EBS President, is leading the initiative, and the broadcaster is currently accepting proposals for AI-driven content, including a “YouTube Originals” series, an introductory AI program titled “First AI Learning,” and a new installment of the documentary series “EBS Docu Prime.” (ddaily.co.kr)