ElevenLabs and WITZ have launched a Proof of Concept (PoC) project to replicate voice actor Bae Han-seong's voice using AI technology. This effort aims to validate a model for legally utilizing celebrity voice IP.

On the 24th, Eleven Labs announced that it will conduct a PoC with Witz to learn and utilize voice actor Bae Han-seong's voice through AI.

This PoC aims to design a licensing and utilization model for voice actor Bae Han-seong's voice IP and to verify the feasibility of AI-based voice generation. Witz will be responsible for designing the voice IP licensing structure, while Eleven Labs will apply its proprietary AI voice synthesis (Text-to-Speech, TTS) technology.

Witz stated that during the PoC period, it plans to verify the legal licensing system for celebrity voices and the effectiveness of AI-based voice generation. It also explained that it will explore potential expansion into various fields, including advertising, content, education, and voice services.

Founded in 2022, Eleven Labs began developing AI voice synthesis models and has since expanded its research scope to include speech recognition (Speech-to-Text, STT), sound effects, dubbing, music, and conversational AI. The company said it is integrating and orchestrating these technologies and combining them with enterprise-grade infrastructure to provide a commercially viable platform.

Witz is a startup specializing in brand and publicity rights IP licensing. Recently, it has been pursuing an AI-based licensing business utilizing celebrity voices. The company explained that this proof-of-concept (PoC) is a case study combining voice actors' voices with AI technology, based on a formal contract.

Witz Co-CEOs Jinik Park and Jeongmin Kim stated, "This PoC combines Witz's IP licensing capabilities with AI voice technology to verify the potential of utilizing celebrity voices." Hong Sang-won, Korea Branch Manager of Eleven Labs, added, "This project will allow us to confirm the practical applicability of our technology."

The two companies announced that they plan to expand into an AI voice-based licensing platform business based on the results of this verification.