Human Artistry in the AI Era: Preserving the Soul of Music

Guitarist Jung Jae-young argues that while AI can replicate composition, the human element of live performance remains the primary competitive advantage for musicians. Speaking during a Humanitas special lecture, Jung stated he will not compete with artificial intelligence but will maintain his artistic integrity by refusing AI assistance in his melody and lyric writing.

Jung’s perspective follows a personal encounter with AI-generated content on YouTube. He described finding a piece of music with a melody and performance that provided him comfort, only to discover the track was created using AI prompts rather than a human musician.

Why is AI music replacing traditional composition?

AI music is becoming a standard for production because it is significantly faster and cheaper to produce than human-composed music, according to Jung. He predicts that background music (BGM) for documentaries and various videos will likely be replaced by AI.

Jung noted that some musicians may begin to polish AI-generated songs and lyrics to present them as their own original creations. This shift creates a challenging environment for artists who already struggle to make a living and often work multiple jobs to survive.

Did You Know? Jung Jae-young questioned whether it is correct to call something “creation” when the music is produced solely through the use of prompts to generate sounds that did not previously exist.

How do musicians compete with artificial intelligence?

Jung Jae-young chooses not to fight the technological shift. He stated that he will not compete with AI, acknowledging that the reality of AI’s capabilities cannot be ignored or avoided.

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However, Jung refuses to be replaced in his personal craft. While he respects those who use AI to earn a living, he maintains that he will not use AI tools for his work as a composer and lyricist.

The guitarist contends that the most significant advantage for human musicians is the ability to perform live. Jung concluded his lecture with a live performance, demonstrating an emotional impact he claims is absent from AI-generated music.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Jung’s approach highlights a growing divide in the entertainment industry between “utility music”—where efficiency and cost drive the use of AI—and “experiential music,” where the value is derived from human presence and live emotional connection.

What happens next for human artists?

The industry may see an increase in AI-generated music appearing on platforms like YouTube, including tracks that use AI to mimic the voices of famous singers. This trend could lead to a broader acceptance of prompt-based music as a legitimate form of art, provided the use of AI is clearly disclosed.

Human musicians may find their viability tied increasingly to live venues and physical performances. As robots may eventually be able to play AI-composed songs, the preference for human-led performance could become the final differentiator for professional artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Jung Jae-young predict regarding background music?
He predicted that background music for documentaries and most videos will be replaced by AI because it is faster and costs significantly less to produce.

Does Jung Jae-young use AI in his own compositions?
No. He stated that as a composer and lyricist, he will not use AI assistance for his melodies or lyrics.

What does Jung identify as the greatest strength of human musicians?
He identifies the ability to perform live and deliver a level of emotional impact that AI music cannot replicate.

Do you believe a live human performance will always be more valuable than a perfect AI composition?