AI-Restored Independence Activist Videos and Collective Memory Formation: An Analysis of TikTok Comments

This study empirically analyzes the impact of AI-restored independence activist videos on collective memory formation among digital natives.The research examined quiz-format videos created by the 'Heroes of Korea' channel, which converted photographs of 15 independence activists using Kling AI and Hailuo AI's image-to-video technology for the March 1st Independence Movement Day in 2025.Among videos posted on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, the TikTok version showed the highest engagement.Content and sentiment analysis of 284 meaningful comments from the 1,175 total comments on the TikTok video, which garnered 243,400 views over three months, revealed expressions of gratitude/respect (38.3%), patriotism (21.8%), and emotional responses (15.4%).Notably, reflective learning responses and renewed historical interest were frequently observed among younger users, confirming that