Million-Sellers and Debut at Gocheok Dome as Virtual Idols Rise as Mainstream K-POP Acts

Virtual idols, once considered part of the fringe of K-POP, are reshaping the Korean music industry by gaining popularity on par with top-tier idol groups. According to PLAVE’s production company on the 23rd, the virtual girl group ISEKAI IDOL will hold an offline event titled “ISEKAI FESTIVAL” at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome in May, where they will perform a solo show. This marks the first time virtual idols have performed at Gocheok Sky Dome, and it is only the second instance for any K-POP girl group since BLACKPINK’s world tour in 2023. ISEKAI IDOL was formed in 2021 by internet broadcaster “Uwagut.” In this format, real performers known as the “host bodies” sing and choreograph, while 2D characters move in sync with them. The six members serve as singers and virtual YouTubers, building a dedicated Fandom. To date, they have released three singles and numerous cover songs, and they successfully held their first large-scale offline event, “ISEKAI FESTIVAL,” at Songdo Moonlight Festival Park in 2023. Thanks to this success, this year’s event will take place at Gocheok Dome, the largest indoor concert venue in Seoul. Kim Young-min, head of PLAVE Entertainment, said, “We aim to deliver the highest level of performance that a virtual group can offer,” adding that they will use LED stages along with advanced technologies to create the shows.

The five-member virtual boy group PLAVE is also gaining attention thanks to its music crafted using K-POP formulas and its powerful Fandom support. In particular, their mini-album “Caligo Pt.1,” released in February, became a million-seller, selling over 1.03 million copies in its first week according to Hanteo Charts. The album’s Title Track, “Dash,” topped Melon’s “Top 100” chart shortly after release and entered the U.S. Billboard “Global 200” chart at position 195. Both the record of achieving million-seller status in the first week and entering the Billboard global chart are firsts for virtual idols. Debuting in 2023, PLAVE quickly gained momentum with its refreshing pop-rock-based music and immediate communication through social media platforms and live broadcasts. Im Hee-yoon, a music critic, explained, “Virtual idols are characterized by real-time production and consumption of not only music content but also variety shows and live content. The ability to leave comments and respond instantly, similar to social media, helps dilute the unfamiliarity around them and makes them appear as entertaining content.”

The music industry views virtual idols as evolving from a subculture to a mainstream force. NAIVIS, SM Entertainment’s first virtual artist, is expanding its activities by being named an ambassador for “Seoul Design 2024” and performing new songs at aespa’s solo concerts. PLAVE Entertainment debuted a new virtual girl group, IRIZÉ, in February following ISEKAI IDOL, with seven-member virtual boy group SKINS and four-member virtual girl group ASIA set to debut later this year. While striving for musical development, production companies are also using platforms like webtoons and web novels to enhance relatability. Head Kim said, “We are exploring approaches different from traditional methods, such as using theaters instead of TV and YouTube platforms. IRIZÉ will present content using various elements alongside music, including animated music videos with storylines.” However, overcoming societal skepticism toward virtual idols remains a challenge. Jung Deok-hyun, a cultural critic, advised, “Virtual idols should focus more on technologies that strengthen interaction rather than just improving the quality of animations. Since they also perform in concerts to connect with fans, they need to further enhance their core strength in communication.”