The announcement of the theme text for the 2026 Seoul International Book Fair has triggered a lively online debate, particularly on social media platforms. The theme text, co-authored by renowned novelist Kim Yeon-soo and an AI system, aims to reflect current trends in knowledge and publishing, drawing inspiration from the proposed theme "Homo Duduri," a reference to a mythical blacksmith goblin from the Shilla and Goryeo periods in Korean folklore. This collaborative approach has raised eyebrows, given the traditional focus of the book fair on physical literature, leading some to question the appropriateness of AI's involvement in such contexts.

As the organizers revealed the theme text, they described "Homo Duduri" as a new name for a questioning human, contrasting human curiosity with the deterministic nature of AI responses. The theme text’s poetic and philosophical messaging seems to underline humanity's prowess in questioning and exploring the unknown, a stark contrast to AI's tendency to close doors with its calculated answers. This framing has resonated with some audiences while leaving others skeptical about the role of AI in a forum that celebrates the written word, with critics voicing concerns over the failure to align the event's theme with the authenticity usually associated with literary gatherings.

The online discourse has been divided, with netizens offering a range of opinions supporting and opposing the use of AI in literary contexts. Critics argue that the book fair, which emphasizes print books and authorial integrity, should not endorse AI contributions in its thematic texts. Mistrustful readers have expressed disappointment over AI's involvement, stating that it undermines the value of human authorship in the literary world. The discussions are not only reflective of societal attitudes towards AI but also challenge the boundaries between human creativity and machine-generated content, raising questions about future collaborations within cultural and artistic frameworks.