Galaxy Corporation CEO Yong-ho Choi used the closing keynote of the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva to present what he called the next stage in artificial intelligence: “Soul AI.” Rather than introducing a new AI technology, Choi outlined a vision in which humanoid robots become cultural and emotional companions capable of expressing character, fashion and entertainment alongside functional capabilities.
Speaking during the summit’s closing session, Choi described the evolution of AI in three stages. Today’s AI consists of software-based systems, while the next step will be “Physical AI”—AI embodied in robots that interact with the real world. Beyond that lies what Galaxy calls “Soul AI,” a concept that focuses on robots capable of conveying emotion, preserving memories and participating in human culture. According to Choi, future AI should evolve beyond improving technical performance to supporting “human love, memories and emotions.”
The keynote concluded with the message, “Let’s Give AI a Soul,” reflecting Galaxy’s argument that the long-term value of AI will not be determined solely by intelligence or automation, but also by its ability to create meaningful interactions between people and machines. While the terminology suggests a philosophical shift, the company’s concept refers to emotionally expressive and culturally engaging robots rather than claims of machine consciousness.
To illustrate the idea, Galaxy staged a performance in which humanoid robots executed K-pop choreography during the summit’s finale. The demonstration formed part of the company’s broader strategy of positioning humanoid robots as entertainment platforms instead of purely industrial machines.
Choi also highlighted Galaxy’s wider ambitions, including MACH33, described by the company as a robot fashion show, and Galaxy Robot Park, an entertainment venue scheduled to officially open later this year. Galaxy says it intends to build an international platform supplying humanoid robots with entertainment content, characters, fashion and K-pop intellectual property, creating what it describes as a new cultural ecosystem for human-robot interaction.
The presentation marks a notable departure from the messaging of many robotics developers, whose focus remains on manufacturing, logistics and labour automation. Instead of emphasising productivity gains, Galaxy is betting that future humanoid robots will also find a place in entertainment, live performances and other consumer-facing experiences.
Although Galaxy presented “Soul AI” as the next stage beyond Physical AI, the keynote introduced a strategic vision rather than a new AI architecture. The company’s central message was that future humanoid robots should not only perform tasks, but also engage with people through culture, emotion and shared experiences.
