Virtual K-pop: AI and Metaverse Idols

This presentation examines the Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated idols and metaverse idols in K-pop. The virtual realm of K-pop has rapidly evolved using AI and information and communication technologies. By introducing the four K-pop groups, Aespa, Super Kind, Eternity, and Mave, I will explore the evolution of the virtual reality spectrum in K-pop, from augmented reality, mixed reality, to virtual reality. The cases will illustrate the use of digital twins and metaverse by Aespa, the mix of human idols and AI generated idols by Super Kind, all-AI-generated idols of Eternity, and the complete "World View" (세계관) AI of AI idols by Mave. K pop World View is an underlying logic and narrative that ties the series of music albums, visuals, and concepts. Particularly, by using AI technology, K-pop World View bridges the real and the virtual. In the interaction between the real, and the virtual, the AI generated K-pop idols themselves appear on K-pop genre conventions such as practice videos, YouTube shorts, Tik Tok dance challenges, TV live music performance, behind scenes documentaries, and even BBC interviews. The use of extended reality also broadens the intellectual property rights of the content by remediating the K-pop idols in webtoon and IP-based games. By exploring the permeation of virtual technology in K-pop, this presentation discovers the new topology of Hallyu from transnational approach to transhumanist approach.