XR Virtual Idol ‘T LOVES’ Makes Debut; G-Dragon’s Agency Predicts AI Robot Idols Within 5 Years

The K-pop industry is breaking down the boundaries between technology and music. As ORB HAUS, an XR metaverse entertainment company, officially debuts the first member of its global first XR game-based K-pop virtual idol series ‘EO’, ‘T LOVES’, along with a 360-degree music video, G-Dragon’s agency Galaxy Corp’s CEO predicted that AI robot idols could appear within five years. T LOVES made its debut alongside the digital single ‘I. LET THERE BE LIGHT’, released at noon on the 5th, to open the prologue of the metaverse ‘THRAE Universe’. The Title Track ‘PHOENIX’ is an XR narrative that cinematically depicts the moment a dimension opens in a dystopian Earth devastated by air pollution by 2040. ORB HAUS, a CG-based art-tech studio, has completed over 70 creative projects just 2.5 years after its founding. It has produced iconic K-pop IPs such as the Stray Kids ‘KARMA’ trailer and music video, a 360-degree highlight medley visualizing the entire SEVENTEEN studio album, the aespa ‘Armageddon’ trailer, and the aespa ‘Supernova’ promotional visuals. The company also demonstrated its capabilities as a global agency by directly booking and managing Lil Uzi Vert as the headliner at the Peaches One Universe Festival. T LOVES is set in a world plagued by air pollution and climate collapse. The air purification structure NACELLE, where even breathing becomes a ‘price’, boldly highlights modern society’s awareness of the climate crisis and resource inequality. The series later expands its setting to Earth’s parallel planet, THRAE Universe. THRAE is a space designed to restore the essence of ‘breathing’ and ‘life’, evolving into an XR idol IP that embodies ESG and wellness philosophies. The 360-degree XR visuals were crafted by ZADDICTED, the director at ORB HAUS who has handled numerous CG productions for Stray Kids and aespa, to create a highly immersive visual experience. The worldbuilding, storytelling, and narrative design were handled by T LEENA, CEO and creative director of ORB HAUS. T LOVES is a reality-based digital twin character created using a 3D scan of the CEO. Equipped with AI interactive agent capabilities, it is a next-generation interactive XR idol capable of future AI fan meetings that allow real-time communication, emotional interaction, and even emotional counseling with fans. THRAE Universe is scheduled to be expanded into an immersive VR game based on Unreal Engine. Unlike traditional game companies that develop artist IPs later, ORB HAUS adopts a reverse approach by first introducing the artist before gamifying their world. The THRAE/EO project is built on an OSMU (One Source Multi Use) IP structure that can continuously expand into music, XR videos, VR games, AI interactions, and live performances. Galaxy Corp’s CEO Choi Yong-ho envisions an even further future. In an interview with CNBC, he stated that AI could create ‘robot idols’ within five years. CEO Choi predicted, “AI efficiency will revolutionize the way music videos are produced. While it may not be possible to create a music video for every song, I believe most music videos—except for lead singles or Title Tracks—will be made using artificial intelligence.” He added, “Costs will drop while efficiency will rise.” Galaxy Corp is currently advancing AI-based projects. G-Dragon’s music video ‘Home Sweet Home’, released in April, was produced using Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Sora platform. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described this collaboration as an “innovative attempt that can reshape the entertainment paradigm.” AI-based virtual performers are gaining real traction in K-pop. CEO Choi cited Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ as evidence of the trend toward blending offline performances with virtual experiences. He outlined a ‘post-AI’ era, predicting that traditional production methods will be largely replaced, creating new markets while reducing costs. “Galaxy Corp is making extensive preparations for that day,” he said. In fact, the virtual K-pop boy band PLAVE proved new possibilities in Seoul. Ticket sales reached approximately 530,000, and all three pre-sale concerts were sold out. PLAVE drew around 37,000 attendees, setting a new record for the virtual K-pop industry and demonstrating its ability to compete with real K-pop groups. Galaxy Corp is also preparing to open a branch in India and pursuing an IPO early next year. Industry analysts expect these moves to position Galaxy Corp at the forefront of AI-based entertainment. The K-pop industry is now entering a hybrid era where virtual artists coexist with real idols.