aespa's Virtual Idol Naevis Begins a New Chapter with 'Done'

SM Entertainment's newly unveiled virtual artist, nævis, has officially entered the K-pop scene with the recent release of her debut single, ‘Done’. Previously introduced as a supporting character within aespa's universe, nævis embarks on her own narrative with this track, signaling a leap into a new dimension.

Nævis is a flexible character, possessing the unique ability to transform across various platforms and situations. Unlike conventional virtual idols, nævis is realized through a combination of pure CG and motion capture technology, resulting in a more natural appearance. This allows for a more human-like visual experience, fostering deeper emotional connections with people.

‘Done’ notably symbolizes nævis's first step towards the real world after concluding her role in the Kwangya (æ-universe). The track stands out with its captivating and mysterious pop sound. Beyond music, nævis showcases her versatility through high-quality music videos utilizing VFX technology. She expresses herself in diverse forms, from toon styles to casual 3D designs. Nævis's adaptable character traits promise a wide range of collaborations and content expansions in the future.

Furthermore, the integration of AI voice technology and generative AI content pushes the boundaries beyond a simple virtual idol, revealing the potential for a vast IP universe. This opens the door to a wider scope of activities, encompassing games, webtoons, merchandise, and collaborations with telecommunication brands.

However, nævis's unconventional appearance has elicited mixed reactions, with some expressing a sense of discomfort at the uncanny valley effect. While appearing human-like, her distinct non-human nature has caused some to feel a degree of unease. Nevertheless, SM Entertainment remains undeterred in its exploration of the virtual artist realm, using it as a platform to explore the future of K-pop.