#kpop

waynerad@diasp.org

"Since releasing their debut single I'm Real in 2021, K-pop girl group Eternity have racked up millions of views online. They sing, dance and interact with their fans just like any other band. In fact, there's mainly one big difference between them and any other pop group you might know -- all 11 members are virtual characters. Non-humans, hyper-real avatars made with artificial intelligence."

You wouldn't think they're AI from the video (below). They look like humans. The video is from a year ago but I just found out about this story.

"The business we are making with Eternity is a new business. I think it's a new genre,' says Park Jieun, the woman behind Eternity."

"The advantage of having virtual artists is that, while K-pop stars often struggle with physical limitations, or even mental distress because they are human beings, virtual artists can be free from these."

Yes, the K-pop industry is legendary for putting its performers through the wringer.

K-pop: The rise of the virtual girl bands

#solidstatelife #ai #generativemodels #kpop