[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Hong Kong actor Josh Ho emphasized that while artificial intelligence (AI) can be helpful in film production, it should not replace the role of actors. He acknowledged technological advancements but stressed that the value of emotions and acting—which only humans can express—must be respected.

Josh Ho made these remarks on the 3rd during a press conference for the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) featured film *The Garbage-Collecting Monk*, held at the Culture Hall of Hyundai Department Store’s Jungdong Branch in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, in response to a question about AI films. “As both an actor and a producer, I understand both perspectives,” he said.
Josh Ho said, “There’s a lot of talk about AI replacing actors, but I’m about 78% against that idea,” adding, “I think limited use is acceptable—for example, when a budget is tight and it’s difficult to supplement or reshoot certain scenes.” He continued, “However, there are certain scenes that fall into a realm where AI can absolutely not act,” and emphasized, “In those moments, human actors are ultimately necessary. I hope the film industry continues to recognize the value of human actors,” he emphasized.
However, he also made it clear that he does not unconditionally reject AI. “Even in a film that makes heavy use of AI, I think it’s fine to appear in it as long as the value of the actor is recognized and fair compensation is provided,” he said. “The issue is how to evaluate the value and labor of actors in films that use AI.”

Producer Conroy Chang, who attended the event alongside him, defined AI as a “tool.” He said, “This film is a very analog work that pays homage to various genres, such as wuxia and detective dramas,” adding, “AI can be a good tool for new creators to save on production costs and time, but I believe it should remain merely a tool and must not become a force that dominates the world.”
Screening as a BIFAN World Premiere this year, *The Trash-Picking Monk* is a mystery-horror film in which “Lan,” a monk who communicates with the spirits bound to discarded objects, and a detective who trusts only logic and evidence, track down a series of mysterious deaths. Combining the Pang Brothers’ signature eerie horror style with the suspense of a detective thriller, the film features Josh Ho as “Ran,” a unique shaman who converses with spirits.
Josh Ho cited the film’s original premise as the reason he chose this project. “The character ‘Lan’ that I played believes that the souls of people who died in accidents inhabit the objects closest to them, and he converses with those objects,” he explained. “Since I actually had to treat the objects as if they were my co-stars and act alone, it was a major challenge for me as an actor.” He continued, “There were many emotions and acting styles I was experiencing for the first time, and I thought the questions the film raises about human nature were meaningful.”
The film also conveys a message to Hong Kong society. Josh Ho said, “‘The Garbage-Picking Sorcerer’ is not just a horror movie; it also addresses the realities facing Hong Kong society.” He continued, “It weaves real-world issues, such as high real estate prices, into a blend of fantasy and horror. Since it’s a story that’s fictional yet reflects reality, I believe audiences will be able to relate to it.”

Finally, Josh Ho expressed his affection for Korean cinema. “It would be a great honor to work on a project in Korea,” he said. “There are many Korean films that are famous even in Hong Kong, such as ‘Okja,’ ‘Snowpiercer,’ ‘Oldboy,’ and ‘Parasite.’ If given the opportunity, I would definitely like to work with directors Bong Joon-ho or Park Chan-wook.”
In addition to Josh Ho, producer Kon Roy Chang and actor Lee Man attended the press conference that day. In particular, producer Kon Roy Chang drew attention by sharing an anecdote about how he came to offer Lee Man her acting debut after she saved his life as a surgeon. “I met Ms. Lee Man during a time when I was hovering between life and death—so much so that my wife was nursing me in the hospital—and I wanted to repay her somehow,” he said. “When I heard that acting had always been her dream, I offered her a role in a film.”
The 30th BIFAN will be held throughout Bucheon City—including Bucheon City Hall, the Korean Comic Museum, CGV Sopung, and Lotte Cinema Bucheon—until the 12th. This year, 321 films from 50 countries and a variety of programs will be presented to audiences. “The Monk Who Picks Up Trash,” starring Josh Ho, will have its world premiere, while “Dream Home” will be screened in the “Strange Homage” section.