Who is 'Lucy,' the Model Selected After Song Ga-in and Park Se-ri?

Lotte Home Shopping's Self-Developed Virtual Model 'Lucy' as Virtual Show Host
Experts: "While Managing Human Models Is Difficult, Virtual Models Enable Various Activities Desired by Companies"

Lotte Homeshopping's self-developed virtual model Lucy. Photo by Lucy Instagram

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Lotte Homeshopping has attracted attention by selecting the virtual model 'Lucy' as the promotional model for its large-scale shopping event, 'Korea Gwangcle Festival.'

The model right before the 'Gwangcle Festival' was trot queen Song Ga-in, and in October last year, it was former golf player Park Seri. Surpassing these two beloved figures, Lotte Homeshopping announced on the 12th that Lucy has been chosen as the promotional model for this event.

Lucy is a virtual model developed in-house by Lotte Homeshopping as part of its metaverse business. Her 'bonkae' (original character) is a 29-year-old design researcher, and her 'bukae' (secondary character) is a fashion model. Since starting activities on Instagram in February, she currently has about 39,000 followers. Lotte Homeshopping plans to enhance Lucy's movements and voice to a human-like level and develop her as a 'virtual show host.'

The event's concept is 'Unstoppable Shopping, Falling into Lucy's Gwangcle Festival,' and a 30-second promotional video was produced featuring Lucy dancing the tango to the OST music from the movie 'Scent of a Woman.' The origin of the tango, meaning 'unstoppable dance,' is expressed as the 'unstoppable shopping benefits' provided by the 'Gwangcle Festival.'

Regarding the recent increase in the use of virtual models, netizens have expressed various opinions: "Virtual models seem stable as they are not influenced by recognition or public opinion," "Considering the million-dollar model fees, virtual models are the answer now. It would be great if product prices were lowered or discounts were offered instead," "Celebrities are in trouble. People are gradually losing their place," and "By the way, she really looks like a real person."

Experts cite the management stability of virtual models as an advantage. Professor Eunhee Lee of the Department of Consumer Studies at Inha University explained in an interview with YTN, "In reality, when using a person as a model, the model can cause problems and management is difficult. (Human models) have various difficulties, whereas virtual models can be created according to the concept the company pursues and can continuously engage in diverse activities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.