AI manager 'Dona' provides customized care for Heo Sung-beom

An artificial intelligence (AI) manager designed to assist entertainer Heo Sung-beom with his daily routine has captured public attention. In a pre-release clip from the MBC variety program 'The Manager,' the AI manager 'Dona' was shown managing Heo's schedule, diet, and even his supplement intake.

From schedules to supplements: The role of AI manager 'Dona'

In the video, Heo begins his day by checking his daily schedule with Dona immediately after waking up. Integrated with a calendar system, Dona briefed him on a research meeting and a filming session scheduled for the afternoon. Dona introduced herself as "a manager who stays by Heo Sung-beom's side to manage everything from his schedule to mental nagging."

Dona's capabilities extend beyond simple scheduling. To ensure Heo does not forget his supplements, she recommends optimal times to consume probiotics, red ginseng, and omega-3 based on preset alarms. Furthermore, she demonstrated a feature that recognizes photos of the refrigerator's interior to suggest suitable meals. Considering his afternoon filming schedule, Dona recommended a meal of green yogurt, fruit, and boiled eggs for protein supplementation.

"A pacemaker without emotional exhaustion": Why an AI manager was adopted

The decision to adopt Dona as Heo's manager reflects his personal characteristics. According to the video, Heo was described as a "star with a complicated mind," necessitating "an entity that can continuously keep pace without emotional exhaustion." The setup allows AI to complement the role of human managers, who may also experience burnout.

The video also touched upon Dona's visual persona. Described as having a "neat and clean image" that feels "more like an actor than a comedian," Dona was specifically compared to actor Shin Ri-han. Additionally, Dona demonstrated practical utility by calculating the calories of food visible in front of her based on standard ingredient portions.