South Korean producers are betting on AI‑powered translation glasses to break language barriers and export stage shows. Visitors like Taipei retail worker Yuroy Wang tried the lenses during the touring play “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” watching Korean dialogue appear in English, Japanese or Chinese. The device pairs with a smartphone app, letting audiences read subtitles directly on the lenses.

The technology, built by Xpert Inc., runs a program called Owl that listens for cue words and generates real‑time translations. Funding from the Korea Tourism Organization’s Smart Theater program helped pilot the glasses in Seoul and abroad, while many producers now foot the bill themselves. Government backing has risen, with the Ministry of Culture earmarking $18 million for musical exports this year, up from the previous budget.

Early adopters report higher foreign attendance, citing smoother viewing compared with traditional supertitles. Users note occasional sync glitches and the need to wear the frames over prescription glasses, but overall feedback is positive. As Korean theater seeks a foothold comparable to K‑pop and film, these lenses represent a tangible tool for attracting tourists and investors alike.