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Tag: virtual idol

  • Virtual Idol Group PLAVE Returns with Playful New Concept

    irtual idol group PLAVE releases their new single album PLBBUU today at 6 p.m. KST.

    Following their charismatic image in February’s mini 3rd album Caligo Pt.1, PLAVE now returns with a more playful and endearing concept. Their collaboration with Sanrio Korea has drawn strong attention from global fans while expanding the group’s distinctive virtual universe.

    The album includes three tracks: the title song “BBUU!”, “Hide and Seek,” and “Bongsoonga.” The title track features an addictive R&B rhythm paired with cute lyrics, highlighted by the catchy “1234567” hook and a lip-shaped point choreography. “Hide and Seek” is the Korean version of their Japanese debut song “Kakurenbo,” characterized by a sentimental band sound, while “Bongsoonga” delivers a cozy winter feeling through warm guitar tones and gentle vocals.

    From August to October, PLAVE successfully completed their first Asia tour DASH: Quantum Leap, visiting six cities — Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo. The group will wrap up their tour with encore concerts at Seoul’s Gocheok Dome on November 21–22, both of which have already sold out.

    PLBBUU will be available on all major music streaming platforms starting today at 6 p.m. KST.

  • Virtual Idol Group Saryeonghwa Debuts with Korean Folklore Concept

    A new virtual idol group inspired by traditional Korean folktales, Saryeonghwa (四靈花), will officially debut on November 13.

    Produced by subculture-focused label GRIM Production, the group follows last year’s debut of WISHes and is gaining attention for its unique storytelling rooted in a deeply Korean worldview.

    The group consists of four members — Cheongmok, Biwha, Maehwarin, and Baekhee — whose name Saryeonghwa means “four spiritual beings coming together to bloom as one flower, creating a beautiful story.”

    An animation released on October 31 depicted “The Garden of Stillness,” a realm where life and death, reality and fantasy intersect, illustrating the moment these four otherworldly beings unite as one team.

    What distinguishes Saryeonghwa’s universe is its reinterpretation of Korean myths and spiritual lore through a modern lens. Once-forgotten deities reawaken as virtual idols, reconnecting with fans to revive lost stories and emotions. The group’s poetic identity is reflected in its ethereal character designs and logo, adorned with drifting petals that symbolize rebirth and harmony.

    Saryeonghwa will hold its first broadcast on November 8 via Naver’s streaming platform Chzzk, followed by the official release of its debut album on November 13. Combining Korean aesthetics with immersive narrative depth, the group is poised to bring fresh energy to the growing virtual idol scene.

  • AI-Powered “The Next Idol” Pop-Up Opens in Pangyo

    Millennial Works has opened a K-POP idol theme park, The Next Idol, powered by its proprietary AI technology. The pop-up store runs until November 9 at the Iconic Square on the 4th floor of Hyundai Department Store Pangyo.

    Based on the “Virtual Academy” concept from Millennial Works’ own IP, Nextworks, the experience allows visitors to step into the world of K-POP trainee life alongside popular virtual characters.

    The pop-up consists of three main zones — the Trainee Zone, Idol Zone, and Character Zone — featuring 16 interactive experiences such as AR-based vocal, facial, and dance practice studios, an AI photo booth for an “idol transformation” camera test, reflex games, fan communication training, idol tarot readings, and the “PICK MY TEAM” popularity voting.

    All visitors receive 10 free AI-generated K-POP-themed goods, including personalized idol character photocards, custom albums, light sticks, sticker packs, and badges. Multiple photo zones are also available for SNS snapshots, though visitors must make a timed reservation in advance through Naver’s “The Next Idol” booking system.

  • From PLAVE to LUVITA: The Rise of K-pop’s Virtual Generation

    The Netflix animated film “K-POP DEMON HUNTERS” has amplified the K-pop wave, bringing virtual idols into the spotlight as the new leading force in K-culture. Virtual idol groups like PLAVE and Isekai Idol are gaining immense popularity, leading to a shift in the K-pop fandom culture.

    Virtual idols engage with their fans in real-time through live streaming and virtual content platforms, strengthening their connections with audiences in a variety of spaces and formats. Fans interact with their favorite idols through offline concerts, merchandise sales, and immersive virtual content, building strong emotional bonds.

    Recently, the newly formed virtual idol group LUVITA, created in partnership with SOOP and Duribun, is set to make its official debut at the “MBC Virtual Live Festival with Coupang Play” in October. Alongside LUVITA, another group, PLAN B, garnered great praise for releasing high-quality tracks and videos utilizing AI and the metaverse.

    As virtual idol concerts sell out and merchandise flies off the shelves, this market is attracting attention similar to that of traditional K-pop idols. This growing success is expected to lead to even more K-pop virtual streamers making their debut in the future.