'Dance Singer' Kang Won-rae Revived in the Metaverse

Photo by Major Seven Company

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] "Like the lyrics of 'Kung Dari Shabara,' when your heart feels down, I want to send a positive message to not get irritated but to cheer up through virtual reality."

On the afternoon of the 18th at Ilji Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Kang Won-rae, who appeared in an electric wheelchair, said this. Behind him, Kang Won-rae's avatar suddenly stood up and began dancing to the hit song by Clon. Kang Won-rae, a member of Clon, was diagnosed with paraplegia after a motorcycle accident in 2000 and stopped his singing career.

That day, Kang Won-rae unveiled his metaverse avatar ‘Ava (AVA) Kang Won-rae,’ marking a turning point in his singing career. This was triggered by his role as a promotional ambassador for TV Chosun’s ‘AVA DREAM,’ which will premiere on October 3.

The avatar was created by metaverse avatar companies Persona Space and Galaxy Corporation, modeled after Kang Won-rae’s face. It was born by synthesizing Kang Won-rae’s expressions with professional choreographer movements. Kang Won-rae said, "Since I have gained a lot of weight now, I used many photos from when I was in my 20s."

He is also planning to release his 6th album. Kang Won-rae said, "I am discussing with Koo Jun-yeop about holding a Clon concert using the avatar and releasing the 6th album," adding, "I want to show activities that my son Seon-i can say, ‘My dad is cool!’" Then Kang Won-rae hummed the lyrics of ‘Kung Dari Shabara’ and said, "‘When your heart feels down and frustrated~.’ At times like that, I want to send a positive message to many people to not get irritated but to cheer up through virtual reality."

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