From Virtual Idols to Dancing Robot Idols in Jeans

Su So Jin Debuts, Humanoid Demonstration
AI Technology and Other Innovations Reshape K-pop Production

Robot idol and Yongho Choi, CEO of Galaxy Corporation. Photo by Galaxy Corporation

K-pop idol groups composed of virtual members are making their debuts one after another. With the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology into the K-pop industry, the methods of production and promotion are gradually evolving.

Virtual idols refer to artists created using 3D graphics or AI voice technology rather than real people. In Korea, notable examples include Naevis from SM Entertainment, Cindy8 from Hybe’s subsidiary Supertone, the six-member girl group Isagae Idol, and the seven-member boy group Skins. The virtual boy group Plave recently attracted about 37,000 people over just two days at Gocheok Dome, demonstrating the market potential.

According to the music industry on December 11, Brotherhood Entertainment, led by hit producer Rocoberry, is launching the virtual girl group Su So Jin (Su, So, Jin). Su So Jin will officially debut with the release of their first mini-album, "Still Loving You," on December 18. The three members have been created with distinct vocal tones and character settings, and the debut album was fully produced by Rocoberry. The group plans to continue their activities by releasing both new songs and remake tracks.

Sujin. Provided by Brotherhood Entertainment

AI entertainment tech company Galaxy Corporation has unveiled a "robot idol (humanoid)" that combines virtual and robotics technology. At the "COMEUP 2025" event on December 10, a humanoid robot in jeans took the stage and performed the choreography for G-Dragon’s "Power," delivering a performance similar to that of a real idol. At the event, the company presented an entertainment tech ecosystem where real idols, virtual idols, and robot idols coexist as part of its future strategy.

Galaxy Corporation has reached a corporate valuation of 1 trillion won. The company has expanded its technology-content convergence business based on AI-powered intellectual property (IP) production, the annual creation of 400 pieces of content including Netflix’s "Physical: 100 Season 2," and collaboration with Microsoft AI. The development of robot idols has also been achieved based on these technological capabilities.

Reuters reported, "Korea’s virtual boy band Plave is achieving traditional K-pop milestones such as TV appearances, concerts, and entering the Billboard charts," adding, "Virtual artists are also gaining competitiveness in the market."

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