Smart glasses are discovering an unexpected niche in Korean drama and theater performances.

      Each year, millions enjoy Korean content despite not knowing the language. They watch shows with subtitles, read translated lyrics, and find methods to engage. However, live theater poses a unique challenge—there’s no option to pause or rewind. A Korean startup believes they’ve found a solution, and Yuroy Wang was among the first to experience it. The 22-year-old retail worker from Taipei, a K-pop enthusiast who adores Korean culture but doesn't speak the language, attended “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” a touring play adapted from a bestselling Korean novel in Taiwan. He anticipated supertitles but was instead greeted with a pair of AI-powered glasses that translated the dialogue in real-time on the lenses. “As soon as I learned they were available, I was eager to try them,” he shared. Wang is part of a growing group discovering that smart glasses, a technology category struggling for a mainstream purpose for years, may have found a niche in live Korean theater.

      How do the glasses function?

      The system, named Owl, is created by the Korean startup Xpert Inc. The glasses connect to a mobile app, allowing users to select their language (Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese), adjust font size, and decide where the text will appear on the lenses. As the actors speak, the AI listens for keywords and instantly matches translations to the dialogue. Unlike traditional supertitles or tablet-based subtitles, which require shifting focus between the stage and a screen, these ensure everything remains within the viewer's line of sight, allowing the audience to stay engaged in the performance instead of tracking text on a wall.

      While the technology shows promise, there are still challenges. Occasionally, sync issues arise, ad-libbed lines can confuse the system, and wearing them over prescription glasses can be cumbersome. Xpert Inc acknowledges that human intervention is sometimes necessary to correct issues. However, a lighter model is set to be introduced this spring, with improved accuracy prioritized next.

      Why focus on Korean theater?

      South Korea has been sharing its theater culture throughout Asia for over a decade, but a recent shift has occurred. The musical “Maybe Happy Ending,” which debuted in a modest Seoul theater in 2016, reached Broadway in 2024 with an English translation and won six Tony Awards the following year. This pivotal moment has prompted producers in Korea to actively capitalize on this new opportunity.

      The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is investing $18 million in funding for Korean musicals this year, a significant increase from the $14 million allocated in 2025. The Korea Tourism Organization has launched a program named Smart Theater, which funds AI glasses in venues throughout Seoul and at select international events. The productions chosen for this initiative are based on their ability to attract foreign audiences, particularly those with relatable themes, international source material, and K-pop music, which provides certain shows with an advantage. The impact has been noticeable, with productions such as “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” “Inside Me,” and “Finding Mr. Destiny” seeing a significant increase in non-Korean visitors.

      The larger gamble: maintaining the Korean language

      What makes this initiative particularly intriguing is the underlying philosophy. Hwang Ki Hyun, the producer of “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” has declined twice to have his show performed in other languages. He believes foreign audiences prefer Korean content delivered in its original language, with the glasses facilitating that experience.

      This is not an unreasonable assumption. BTS fans have consistently advocated for enjoying their music in the original Korean rather than translated versions. This sentiment is also evident in film, beauty, and cuisine. The charm of Korean culture for many global fans lies in its purity and authenticity. Translating it could detract from the very essence that draws people to it.

      So, can this idea truly expand?

      Real challenges exist between the current state and a widespread Korean theatrical wave reaching Western stages. For instance, union regulations in New York would likely lead a Broadway-run Korean production to convert into an English-language performance, regardless of the glasses used by the audience. However, academics and industry professionals globally are observing closely. Sarah Bay-Cheng, a professor specializing in emerging technologies in theater at the University of Toronto, considers Korea a significant testing ground. Should the glasses gain popularity there, it might open live performances to audiences who previously had no way of engaging, regardless of language.

      Smart caption glasses from British companies Built for Good and Xrai Glass are already making their way into theaters in the US and Europe, indicating that this technology is expanding beyond just Korean productions. However, Korea stands out as the place where cultural ambition and technological innovation are aligning, making it a development worth watching. While the glasses have limitations, the theater industry remains competitive, and Broadway may not be eagerly welcoming. Still, for a 22-year-old in Taipei eager to follow the narrative, the glasses proved effective enough that he would use them again.

      I genuinely hope to see this expand beyond just a few regions. The notion of attending a live