South Korean citizen Jang Ji-sung got the surprise of her life after she was able to virtually ‘reunite’ with her daughter Nayeon, who passed away in 2016.
Photo: Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)
Using recently developed virtual reality technology, Ji-sung was able to see and talk to a virtual simulation of Nayeon. The footage showed them together in a virtual version of parks they frequented, with Nayeon running towards her mother at the start.
While Ji-sung was in the virtual world, her husband and three other children are watching her interaction with the VR Nayeon on a TV monitor. The emotional virtual reunion between Ji-sung and her daughter also brought the other members of the family to tears.
In one scene, the VR Nayeon asked Ji-sung where she had been and if she had been thinking of her. Ji-sung then answered, saying that she did think of her all the time. They also walked around in the park and shared a meal in the footage.
After her "virtual tour," Ji-sung said that it was a "happy time." She also said that she would have wanted to touch and hold her daughter.
Meeting You documentary
The VR "reunion" was filmed as part of the documentary series Meeting You, which aired on the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). A clip of the scene between Ji-sung and the VR version of Nayeon is currently on MBC’s YouTube page.
It is said that the crew of the documentary series worked on the simulation for at least eight months. They worked with a child actor to help with the movements for the simulation. They also reproduced Nayeon’s vocals based on the family’s video clips in the past.
Reactions to Meeting You
In an interview with the Daily Mail, a technology ethicist voiced some concerns about the show. Dr. Blay Whitby of the University of Sussex said that the practice could have long-term psychological effects on the people involved.
Watch the video below:
Via: https://www.dailymail.co.uk
