Virtual Boygroup PLAVE Successfully Makes Debut at KSPO DOME After Two Years

Virtual boygroup PLAVE kicked off its first Asian tour at the KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Olympic Park over three days starting on the 14th. This remarkable achievement came just two years after their 2023 debut, and for K-pop artists, performing at a dome is proof of having the fan power to attract tens of thousands of attendees and the musical maturity to fill a two- to three-hour stage set without gaps. PLAVE are virtual idols created through 2D/3D animation, AI, and motion capture technology, yet their on-stage movements and ways of interacting differ little from those of real idols. They follow the traditional path of K-pop groups by releasing mini-albums, going on world tours, producing fan songs, holding encore concerts, and building a strong fandom. PLAVE’s musical accomplishments are also noteworthy. On the 19th, their title track “Dash” from the third mini-album “Caligo Pt.1” reached position 195 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, marking the first time a Korean virtual idol group has achieved this. Initial sales exceeded one million copies, and the song topped various major music charts, delivering astonishing results. PLAVE consists of five members: Nam Yejun, Han Noah, Chae Bamby, Do Eunho, and Yuha Min. They are portrayed as aliens from a fictional world called “Kaerum,” with each member having a unique backstory. The story of how they came together, reminiscent of the friendship and camaraderie among trainees, has become a key element that resonates with K-pop fans. PLAVE are also known as an indie group, as they have composed, written lyrics, and produced all their songs from their debut album to their most recent Japanese single “Gakurenbo,” with the members themselves creating the choreography as well. Yejun, Eunho, and Noah, who participate in composition, are referred to as “The Composers,” while Min and Bamby, who design choreography, are called “The Dancers.” Their connection with fans is particularly special. Their fandom is named “PLLI,” and PLAVE shows great affection for their fans by including the fandom name in songs like “Merry PLLIs.” Their cheering sticks are called “Apop,” shaped like dumbbells, an idea proposed by member Noah, who is known for working hard on weight training. Fans have even developed a cheering technique called “Sarang Re” using these sticks. On the final day of this KSPO DOME tour, news of an encore concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in November was surprise announced, drawing enthusiastic cheers from fans. Gocheok Dome is home to artists who have successfully held solo concerts there, such as DAY6, Stray Kids, NCT Dream, Im Yong-woong, and Cho Yong-pil, and PLAVE is set to become the first virtual idol group to join this list. Through live broadcasts, continuous interaction with fans, and a shared growth narrative, PLAVE increasingly feel like “real entities.” Although they have no physical form, they follow all the typical steps of K-pop idols—producing albums, performing on stage, appearing on music shows, and interacting on social media—building a solid foundation of content.