constraints on industry development. Recently, however, advancements in generative
AI and technological improvements in XR devices have significantly enhanced the
personalization and immersive qualities of virtual convergence services. At the same
time, practical use cases—such as virtual simulations, remote collaboration, and job
training—are expanding across various sectors including education, manufacturing,
defense, and healthcare, increasing the potential for renewed growth in the industry.
This report focuses on the major initiatives of the “Republic of Korea AI Action
Plan” proposed by the National AI Strategy Committee and presents concrete ways
in which virtual convergence can be utilized in the actual implementation of AI Basic
Society policies. First, in terms of building social consensus, virtual spaces can be
used to simulate the impacts of AI policies and establish public deliberation
platforms where diverse stakeholders participate through avatar-based discussions,
thereby enhancing policy acceptance. In addition, digital-twin-based living labs can
enable AI technologies for solving social problems to be tested and validated in
virtual environments. Virtual offices and virtual job training programs can also help
address employment transitions and reskilling challenges associated with the AI
transformation.
At the same time, virtual convergence has significant potential in the fields of
care and healthcare. Emotional support for older adults can be provided through
virtual-reality-based cognitive training and avatar-based counseling, while medical
accessibility can be improved through virtual remote collaboration among medical
professionals and medical simulations using patient digital twins. Furthermore, to
respond to AI-driven crimes such as deepfakes and financial fraud, immersive
training programs can allow individuals to experience and respond to simulated
crime scenarios in virtual environments, while avatar-based counseling can help
support the psychological recovery of victims. In addition, education programs using
virtual campuses and industrial process digital twins can create environments where
anyone can access AI education and practical experience, thereby reducing AI
education disparities across regions and social groups.