AI Technology Restores the “Youth” of Korean War Heroes

- In collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Jaseng Medical Foundation, black-and-white photographs were color-restored and exhibited to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Armistice.

- Using AI facial restoration technology (GFP-GAN), vivid images of approximately 100 war heroes were recreated.

▲ Exhibition of high-resolution color photographs restored using artificial intelligence (AI) technology

On April 16, the National Center of Excellence in SW of SKKU held an exhibition of high-resolution color photographs restored from black-and-white portraits of heroes of the Korean War in tribute to their sacrifice and dedication. As part of a special project commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Armistice, the exhibition was held simultaneously at the “Soft:Com Media Gallery” on the second floor of Samsung Library at SKKU’s Natural Sciences Campus and at the Chilgok Patriots & Peace Memorial in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province, and was opened to the public.

This exhibition was designed to vividly revive in color the youthful look of the war heroes, long preserved only in faded black-and-white photographs, showing that they too were once young people like us and allowing visitors to more closely appreciate their noble sacrifice. The exhibition featured approximately 100 restored images, including the four heroes of the Korean War selected by the U.S. government, the “War Hero of the Month,” Republic of Korea and United Nations veterans, and treasured photographs preserved by surviving veterans, leaving a deep impression on visitors.

▲ Restored photograph of the late U.S. Air Force Captain Van Fleet Jr.

▲ Restored photograph of the late Senior Superintendent Han Jeong-il of the National Police

This project officially began on February 14, 2023, at the 600th Anniversary Hall through a memorandum of understanding among the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Jaseng Medical Foundation, and Sungkyunkwan University. Attending the signing ceremony were Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik, Jaseng Medical Foundation Social Contribution Committee Chair Shin Min-sik, SKKU President Ji Beom Yoo, war heroes, and bereaved family members, reaffirming the significance of the initiative. In particular, General Kim Doo-man, the first Air Force pilot to complete 100 sorties, singer Jin Mi-ryeong, the eldest daughter of the late Colonel Kim Dong-seok, and Benjamin Pony, the great-grandson of the late Colonel Edward Pony, attended the event and shared moving moments as they received the restored photographs.

To enhance the project’s technical completeness, the research team employed state-of-the-art AI techniques. Professor Simon Sungil Woo, who supervised the students, explained, “We utilized GFP-GAN, an AI-based facial restoration technology, along with precise facial restoration techniques. Rather than relying on simple automatic correction, we carried out a step-by-step restoration process according to the extent of damage in each photograph, while also conducting expert review to preserve each individual’s distinctive features and ensure historical authenticity.”

Director Lee Eunseok of the National Center of Excellence in SW (also Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics) stated, “This restoration work focused on applying advanced AI techniques incorporating noise removal and generative technologies to produce results as close as possible to the subjects’ original appearance.” He added, “Beyond a simple technological achievement, this is a highly meaningful example of using AI to restore history and memory and to convey the noble spirit of these war heroes to future generations.” He continued, “SKKU will continue to pursue diverse initiatives that use artificial intelligence technology to expand social value.”