Virtual K-pop idol -

Recently, K-pop idols have been popular and famous all around the world since the hit of BTS and Blackpink in America. However, each entertainment offices have a lot of issues such as mental health problems of idols, negative news about the idols, leaving a group etc. In contrast, a new virtual K-pop idol called Mave:, debuted in South Korea in 2023. Virtual idol doesn’t exist in the real world; however it is an idol that created by using new technology, AI and technique of 3D for being typical K-pop star which are necessary to have a high level of a singing, dancing, and rapping skill.

What kinds of problems that virtual K-pop idols have?

The problems in terms of skills as an idol is no humanity in the dance, facial expression, and movement, and there is still a gap between real idols and virtual idols. The physical problems are that while K-pop idols places a high value on interaction with their fans such as having handshaking events (fans can handshake with their favourite idol in the event) and one-on-one autograph sessions with fans every time they release a song, virtual idols cannot have interaction which is face to face with fans in real life and fans never have a chance to see the idols.

From K-pop industry perspective, when the skills of virtual idols became much better and the ability became the same as real idols, the value of real idols who have practiced preparing for debuting since they are in middle school or in elementary school, reduces. Furthermore, when the company makes virtual idols’ faces, they search about the popular face in Korea and they make idols’ faces based on existing idols, thus faces of virtual idols sometimes alike existing real idols. Especially, when Mave: debuted, a lot of people mentioned about it.

How will they influence Kpopindustry and K-pop fan? What are the impacts on K-pop industry and fans?

The looks of virtual Idols are based on Korean standard of beaty and facial features to make it as beautiful as they can, because South Korea has an appearance-oriented culture. Hence, fans may aspire to the idols, and they may diet excessively or undergo plastic surgery extremely.

Real idols may not be popular anymore due to appearance of new virtual idols or a job of an idol may disappear.

K-pop industry will polarize fans who mind passionate love news and military service issues of favourite idols will go virtual idols, and fans who wants to join face to face meeting or concerts will go real idols.

In the end, K-pop is getting popular all over the world and we can enjoy it wherever you live. Also there are numerous idols in South Korea whatever real idols or virtual idols. Listen some K-pop songs and explore to find your favourite idols based on your preference!