Having AI-generated music is already a big deal in today’s time, how much more if an AI-generated music group attempts to enter the scene?
Recently, the K-pop community has been in shock over the debut of a boy group. One might think it is normal as companies debut groups from time to time, but what caught the attention of the fans is because the boy group is composed of AI-generated idols.
AI-generated K-pop boy group muuo:23 entered the K-pop scene with the release of its pre-debut digital single, NEVERTHELESS. Created by AI entertainment company Creation Zipup, the five-member boy group combines AI-generated digital identities with human involvement in music production and other creative processes.
The group is composed of digital members Taewon, Hamin, Yeonwoo, I-Hyun, and Sei and follows a futuristic storyline set in the 23rd century.
“Its members are portrayed as observers from a world where people have lost their emotions. They travel to the 21st century to discover and experience human feelings, a concept that shapes the group’s identity and visual storytelling,” an article by the International Business Times read.
Additionally, the project will include an interactive fan platform featuring AI chat functions, a web novel, and digital photocards.
Although the debut highlights the growing role of technology, fans expressed their disapproval for the project. According to them, “technological experimentation should not come at the expense of opportunities for human performers.”
Fans argued that there are real people who took years to train to be able to debut in the entertainment industry, and having these AI-generated idols is a disrespectful move for them.
Some fans also compared them to K-pop boy group PLAVE. Despite them being a virtual group, the people behind them are real and are only performing using real-time motion capture suits and virtual avatars.
“You know why PLAVE is so popular? Because there’s real people with real talent behind the avatars,” one fan wrote. “AI-generated is just a lazy way to make money (probably is still just or more expensive than debuting a real group… but in the lazy way).”
The company also clarified that despite the idols being AI-generated, human creatives contribute to the group’s music production, choreography, styling, and direction.
Still, fans expressed their disappointment and stated that they will only support a group who they have seen their true talents and skills.
“At the end of the day, REAL HUMAN VOICES MATTER THE MOST! 💙✨”
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