Edited by Han Sung Soo
Translated by Eungee Joh
Virtual K-pop artists have been garnering significant attention worldwide in recent years thanks to their rapid development in various technologies such as VFX, motion capture, AI, and 3D animation. These advancements enable them to express things that are impossible to represent in reality through various worlds and offer fresh and innovative proposals to their audiences. By leveraging virtual characters, artists can easily adapt to various concepts and styles without the physical limitations of human performers, allowing existing artists to explore new possibilities and bring greater creativity and flexibility to the industry. Furthermore, they provide fans with unique forms of entertainment through live streams and social media, where they can interact with their favorite virtual idols. While some may argue that virtual K-pop artists take away from the industry’s authenticity and human connection, their growing influence and interest in the global music industry cannot be denied.
Now, let’s dive into the mesmerizing worlds and music of these visionary virtual artists.
BADS
In the heart of a desolate desert, the Bored Ape Donut Shop (BADS) used to be a beacon of hope, where travelers from all walks of life came to quench their thirst and fill their bellies. To the three Bored Ape brothers – ILLA (BAYC#4419), INGU (BAYC#4401), and NUTS (MAYC#9225) – this place means more than just a pit stop on the highway. Here, in the sweltering heat of the donut shop, they poured their souls into the music, dreaming of the day when they would become super producers and take the music scene by storm. And unexpectedly their dreams became a reality when the legendary musician FENNY stumbled upon their humble shop. Collaborating with the superstar, the BADS brothers produced “Running Out of Love” in hopes to change their lives forever.
APOKI
APOKI, a famous virtual influencer and artist in Korea, has established herself as a TikTok sensation with over three million followers and 18 million views on her videos. As a talented K-pop rabbit, APOKI gained popularity on YouTube in 2019 with the release of her music video and songs. Currently, her devoted followers mainly interact with her on TikTok, where they react to her music content and participate in duets and challenges within her virtual realm.
MAVE
The K-metaverse idol group, MAVE, has debuted with a grand ambition to bring a fresh wave to the K-pop and metaverse era. The group of four members, Sui, Zena, Tyra, and Marty, reside in a futuristic area named IDYPIA, a utopian destination everyone has longed for. Their mission includes traveling back to 2023 to retrieve lost emotions. After uncovering the secrets hidden in IDYPIA, they have now decided to embark on an unrelenting journey to restore humanity’s lost emotions without hesitation or fear.
K/DA
K/DA is a virtual girl group in the K-Pop genre created by Riot Games, the developers of popular online game League of Legends. The group is comprised of four members, namely Ahri, Kai’Sa, Evelynn, and Akali, all of whom are based on the game’s characters. K/DA made their debut in 2018 with their smash hit single “Pop/Stars,” which not only topped music charts in numerous countries but also amassed millions of views on YouTube. They have since been collaborating with famous artists like Madison Beer, (G)I-DLE and TWICE to expand their reach while also building their universe through music videos and in-game events.
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