Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Virtual reality technology has enabled a grief-stricken mother to be reunited with her dead daughter in South Korea, according to a documentary.
Jang Ji-sung took part in documentary I Met You, in which a production team used VR technology to stage the emotional encounter.
A simulation featuring Jang’s seven-year-old daughter Nayeon, who died of a rare disease in 2016, was created by the team and set in a park special to the pair.
The mother of four said: “Maybe it’s a real paradise. I met Nayeon, who called me with a smile, for a very short time, but it’s a very happy time. I think I’ve had the dream I’ve always wanted.”
According to Aju Business Daily, a child model was used for motion capture and Nayeon’s face, body and voice were used to bring the virtual girl to life.
The tearful moment Jang “met” her daughter again was captured in the documentary.
The child’s father, brother and sister watched from the sidelines.
Jang could be seen wearing VR goggles and bursting into tears when her virtual daughter ran towards her in the simulation, saying: “Where have you been, Mum? Did you think about me?”
“I do all the time,” Jang replied and reached out to touch Nayeon. She was even able to “hold” the virtual girl’s hand.
In a blog which was shut down the day after the broadcast, Jang said she agreed to appear in the documentary to provide comfort for “someone who has lost a child like me, or who has lost a brother or a parent”.
“Three years later, i now think I should love her more than I miss her... so that I can be confident when I meet her later,” she added.
“I hope many people will remember Nayeon after watching the show.”
The documentary aired on 6 February on South Korean TV network, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments