Virtual idols - the future of Kpop?

[Kurly]

K-pop world also started to be virtualized. As a lover of all trendy things, the use of virtual idols awakened on me mixed feelings, much more excitement and surprise.

According to Instagram accounts of some virtual influencers that very popular in Korea like Eternity Yeoreum, Rozy, Han Yua, they started as influencers and now they also releasing songs and mv and being a part of K-pop community.

Rozy and Han Yua are solo artists, while Eternity is a group of 11 members (?) and with separate debut line (how hard to understand )

All in all technology doesn't stay in one place, so maybe virtual idols can be a great way to promote Kpop in the future.

Eternity Rozy Yua

 

[Zerø_21]

Ig it'll be Intresting to have virtual idols at some point
But I still prefer real people

 

[Traashley]

It sounds like a really interesting concept, but I don't know...I prefer real-life people.

But, would still be cool to see where they take this.

 

[babyz]

I prefer real life k-pop artists but I'm not entirely against the virtual concept.

 

[Abbi_Angel10]

Hmmmmm.... I'm not sure about the whole virtual idol thing, but it would be interesting to see even tho I prefer real life poeple

 

[Abbi_Angel10]

Hmmmmm.... I'm not sure about the whole virtual idol thing, but it would be interesting to see even tho I prefer real life poeple

 

[OppaIsTrash]

i think virtual idols as a concept are so interesting!! just looking at vocaloids, and fictional idols in japanese franchises like love live, idolmaster, uta no prince-sama, etc. i think there's a good potential for it!

i dont know how well received realistic virtual idols would be versus animated virtual idols. would they be represented by actresses or hyper realistic animation (which i think has a high potential of back firing)? i think the freedom that having less realistic idols gives will allow them to offer a unique experience versus irl idols.

i think there's a lot of elements worth looking into that make virtual idols really compelling. i really thought that, with the pandemic, we would see virtual idols coming up but other than apoki and k/da (although k/da kinda predates the pandemic a little) i didnt really see it. i was expecting it to blow up with æspa's debut, but they aren't really doing anything with the æs besides the whole kwangya whatever concept, even though i remember they were marketing them as an 8 member group. so that was disappointing.

 

[OppaIsTrash]

whoops my phone double posted
here's an apoki

 

[sanasideup]

nope, nope, nope. i'm not opposed to the idea of virtual idols - i mean, vocaloid is basically a virtual jpop idol, and i think that's cool - but this doesn't sit right w me. they look too real. they look like real ppl, but they're missing smth. a soul, maybe? idrk, but i think they're unnerving to me.

edit: and i like k/da, but, like vocaloid, they're not overly realistic. they're clearly ai. i think the hyperrealistiness of these virtual idols is what's getting to me