"'Exceptional Fashion Sense': Hipster Grandpa with 5 Million Followers... Debate Erupts After AI Brings Him Back"

Hipster Grandpa Brought Back to Life with AI
Popular Influencer Who Drew 5 Million Followers
Statement Posted Amid Debate Among Fans

As a popular influencer who had amassed 5 million followers in China has passed away, videos recently released using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to recreate the deceased have sparked debate among fans.

On November 9, China's Jimu News reported that "a series of videos recreating the late grandfather using AI technology have been posted one after another."

An AI-generated video recreating an influencer's late grandfather has sparked controversy in China. Screenshot from "Kangkang and Grandpa."

Account says it will consider whether to post more videos following controversy

After the videos drew attention, the account posted a statement on November 8. The account said, "Some people have warmly supported us, while others have questioned content featuring the deceased," adding, "We wanted to share interesting behind-the-scenes stories from the time we spent with Grandpa while he was alive, so we posted the videos in this way." It continued, "However, if these attempts cause you distress, we will give serious thought to whether to post more videos in the future."

A video recreating an influencer's grandfather using AI technology has sparked controversy in China following his death. Screenshot from "Kangkang and Grandpa."

Some online commenters welcomed the videos, saying, "This is exactly what AI is for" and "Grandpa can stay with us in a different way." Others, however, questioned them, asking, "Shouldn't we avoid recreating someone who has passed away, whatever the reason?" and "Is it really appropriate to recreate the deceased?"

Won 5 million followers in China with exceptional fashion sense

"Kangkang and Grandpa" is an account that featured Grandpa Kang, who retired after working as a university professor, creating fashion short-form content with his grandson. With his exceptional fashion sense, he amassed 5,787,000 followers.

In an interview with Xinhua News Agency while he was alive, Grandpa Kang said, "I spent more than 40 years in education and enjoyed sharing knowledge, but short-form videos helped me connect with more people and rediscover the joy of life." After revealing in May 2025 that he was battling a brain tumor, he shared a diary of his treatment and spread positive messages. He passed away in early September 2026.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.