Annually, countless individuals immerse themselves in Korean media without knowing a single word of the language. They rely on subtitles for streaming, translated song lyrics, and various workarounds. However, attending live performances presents a unique challenge—unlike recorded content, you cannot pause or rewind a stage show. A Korean tech startup believes it has solved this dilemma, and 22-year-old Taipei retail employee Yuroy Wang was among the early adopters. As a devoted K-pop enthusiast who adores Korean culture yet lacks language proficiency, Wang anticipated supertitles when he attended a tour of “The Second Chance Convenience Store,” a play adapted from a Taiwanese bestseller. Instead, he was fitted with a pair of bulky, black-framed AI-powered glasses that displayed real-time dialogue translations directly on the lenses. “As soon as I found out they were available, I couldn’t wait to try them,” he recalled. Wang represents a burgeoning group of users realizing that smart glasses, a tech category that has long struggled to find a mainstream application, may have discovered their true purpose in an unexpected arena: live Korean theatrical productions.
The Mechanics Behind the Glasses
Developed by the South Korean startup Xpert Inc., the system, named Owl, links to a smartphone application. Users can select their preferred language (Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese), adjust font size, and position the text on the lenses. As actors speak, the AI detects cue words and synchronizes translations with the dialogue instantly. Unlike conventional supertitles or tablet subtitles that force viewers to shift their gaze between the stage and a screen, this technology keeps the text within the user’s natural field of view, allowing the audience to remain fully engaged with the performance.
The New York Times / The New York TimesDespite its promise, the technology is not without flaws. Occasional synchronization glitches occur, improvised lines can confuse the AI, and wearing the devices over prescription glasses remains somewhat cumbersome. Xpert Inc. admits that human intervention is occasionally required to correct errors. However, a more streamlined version is set to launch this spring, with enhanced accuracy listed as the company’s primary goal.
The Focus on Korean Theater
While South Korea has been exporting theatrical productions across Asia for more than ten years, a recent shift has accelerated this trend. The musical “Maybe Happy Ending,” which debuted in a modest Seoul venue in 2016, made its way to Broadway in 2024 with an English adaptation, subsequently winning six Tony Awards in 2025. This milestone has opened doors for Korean producers, who are now aggressively pursuing international markets.
The New York Times / The New York TimesThe success of Korean musicals abroad has sparked interest from global producers, but language remains a significant hurdle for international audiences. Traditional supertitles can be distracting, and hiring translators for every performance is costly. The Owl glasses offer a scalable solution, allowing non-Korean speakers to enjoy live performances without compromising immersion. As Korean theater continues to gain global traction, this technology may become an essential tool for cross-cultural entertainment.
The New York Times / The New York TimesThe Future of Cross-Cultural Entertainment
While the initial rollout targets Korean theater, the implications extend far beyond. Similar technology could revolutionize how audiences experience foreign films, concerts, and even sports events. The success of Owl in this niche could pave the way for broader adoption of AI translation wearables, transforming how we consume global media. As the technology matures and becomes more affordable, it may soon become a standard accessory for international travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
The New York Times / The New York TimesConclusion
Smart glasses are no longer just a futuristic concept; they are solving real-world problems in unexpected ways. By bridging the language gap in live Korean theater, Xpert Inc. has demonstrated the potential of AI-powered wearables to enhance cultural exchange. As the technology improves and gains wider acceptance, it could redefine how we experience entertainment across borders, making the world a little smaller and more connected.