Cover Han YuA, a K-pop idol signed under YG Entertainment. Is she real? Is she not? Who knows? (Photo: Instagram/@ _hanyua)
Han YuA, a K-pop idol signed under YG Entertainment. Is she real? Is she not? Who knows? (Photo: Instagram/@ _hanyua)
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Meet the AI K-pop idols and idol groups that were borne out of digital concepts, blurring the line between real life and virtual reality
In recent times, people from all walks of life and a variety of sectors have been harnessing the power of AI to drive down the time it takes to complete tasks, enabling them to collect, generate, and analyse information and data more efficiently. According to Tortoise Media, several countries are championing AI research, innovation, and application, with the US leading the charge, followed by China, Singapore, the UK, France, and Korea.
Read more: How VR is revolutionising K-pop experiences and bringing fans closer to their favourite idols
From diagnosing diseases, translating languages, and customer service, it’s clear that AI is becoming good at many “human” jobs. While Korea hasn’t been placed among the top three countries for AI integration–yet–despite being among the world's most technologically advanced and digitally connected countries, it’s on the rise and the country has been exploring its applications across different sectors at many “human” jobs.
Such as K-pop idols and idol groups.
Above SIU:, a member and the leader of K-pop group MAVE: (Photo: Instagram/@mave_official_)
SIU:, a member and the leader of K-pop group MAVE: (Photo: Instagram/@mave_official_)
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In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and entertainment, Korean entertainment agencies are creating AI-powered virtual idols using algorithms to analyse aesthetics, vocals, and dance moves, and combining these elements to craft pitch-perfect idols tailored to fan preferences.
However, while this means boundless experimentations and innovative possibilities, with AI-powered virtual idols boasting flawless appearances, inexhaustible energy (thus eliminating burnout), and perfection in performances, there are limitations. For example, they can’t sign autographs in person, which means they lack the authentic human touch and the physical connection with fans, which is one of the fan activity elements that define K-pop. Some even argue that the industry’s tech-driven future in AI-generating more K-pop idols is a “K-popcalypse” waiting to happen.
See also: What pop culture can teach us about adopting AI
Here, we take a look at the K-pop ‘AI’-dols and idol groups that are poised to reshape the Korean entertainment circuit.
aespa
Above aespa’s avatars made a special appearance during a ‘Next Level’ performance stage in 2021
SM Entertainment’s “girl group with a digital concept”, aespa, debuted in 2020 with a digital single titled, Black Mamba. The reality-virtual hybrid group has four human members, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning, and four ‘æ’ members who are digital avatars of the aespa girls. Together, they form æ-aespa.
See also: How to nail the Y3K style, as seen in aespa’s ‘Armageddon’ album
Technically, they weren’t generated by AI, just conceptualised and then created by animators based on the performances of the aespa members. Aside from making appearances in aespa’s music videos, the avatars have also been “seen” on performance stages.
IITERNITI
Above IITERNITI’s music video for their 2022 single, ‘DTDTGMGN’, which was recorded by members Chorong and Jiwoo
In March 2021, Pulse9 introduced their 11-member K-pop group, IITERNITI (formerly ETERN!TY), as they debuted with their first digital single, I’m Real (ironically). Created with artificial intelligence technology Deep Real AI and marketed as an “AI girl group”, the long-term plan is for IITERNITI to promote as a group, release solo songs, and work as influencers and brand models.
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Initially, Pulse9 and the group were criticised for the quality of the avatars. Very quickly, the company upped their game and worked on refining the virtual idols and the results can be seen in IITERNITI’s 2002 music video for their single, DTDTGMGN.
Han YuA
Above Han YuA dancing with a team of human dancer in the music video for her debut song, ‘I Like That’
Before she became a K-pop idol, Han YuA was the main character of the BR game Focus on You and an “AI virtual influencer”. She was created by Giantstep, the same company that worked on aespa’s avatars.
Read more: Meta-fluencers: 7 Asian Metaverse influencers that brands love
After signing under YG Entertainment, she made her debut on April 12, 2022, with her first digital single, I Like That. Since then, she has been kept busy with her promotional activities, triple-hatting as a K-pop idol, YouTuber, and also a model under KPLUS. She has been featured as a commercial model for Guangdong Corn Beard Tea and eyewear brand Lapis Sensible.
Superkind
Above Virtual hybrid K-pop group Superkind in the music video for ‘Watch Out’
Debuting with the digital single, Pasueri'd: Apply for a Beta Test in 2002 under Deep Studio Entertainment, Superkind is a seven-member virtual hybrid K-pop group. The group was described as “the first decentralised K-pop entertainment" in which their fan club, called “Players”, could decide how the group would develop and what concepts they wanted to see in upcoming releases.
See also: Meovv: Meet the members of The Black Label’s highly anticipated K-pop girl group
Like aespa, Superkinds has AI members, Seung and Saejin. Saejin was initially introduced alongside four human members–Daemon, Eugene, Geon and SIO–followed by JDV a month later and another AI member, Seung, six months later.
MAVE:
Above MAVE: in the extended music video for ‘Pandora’ from their debut single album, ‘Pandora’s Box’
Making headlines since they first entered the real world in 2023 is Metaverse Entertainment’s four-member virtual K-pop group, MAVE:. Like IITERNITI, MAVE: is a fully “AI girl group” consisting of members MARTY:, TYRA:, ZENA: and SIU:. Formed as a collaboration between entertainment juggernaut Kakao Entertainment and Netmarble, while they’re not the first K-pop group to include virtual idols, they are the first to be created entirely within the metaverse.
Don’t miss: From stage to runway: K-pop idols-turned high-fashion models
MAVE: release their debut single album, Pandora’s Box in 2023, which contains two singles, Pandora and Wonderland (Idypia). That same year, they released their first EP, What’s My Name. MAVE:’s members are multilingual and able to communicate in Korean, French, English, and Bahasa, but their voices and choreography are created by undisclosed human performers.
Nævis
Above nævis in the music video for her debut single, ‘Done’
A lore that existed in aespa’s storyline, nævis stepped out as a “real world artist” and made her official debut with the single, Done this year. The fictional entity first made her appearance in the made-up magical realm of Kwangya, helping aespa’s AI avatars appear in the real world and connecting them with aespa, allowing them to coexist as they fight the fictional Black Mamba villain.
Read more: SM Entertainment’s first AI-powered virtual artist nævis makes official debut
By leveraging AI voice technology and generative AI-produced content, SM Entertainment has plans to expand nævis’ IP universe to include webtoons, merchandise, games, and brand collaborations.
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Lainey was the Digital Director of Tatler Malaysia. When not whiling away the hours watching documentaries, the latest K-drama, or reruns of Friends, she can be found indulging her wanderlust by stalking travel platforms or feeding her obsession with music. She loves animals, running, all things social media, a good conversation over coffee or soju or wine (often rambling on if nobody pulls the brakes on her), and is an avid fan of bursting-at-the-seams laughter.
