Virtual Idols Gaining Popularity, Surpassing Real-Life Idols

Virtual idols are gaining increasing popularity in K-pop and popular culture, establishing themselves as a new trend that surpasses human idols. The most appealing aspects of virtual idols are their manga-like appearance and interactive communication capabilities. These characters not only serve as idols but also play roles similar to popular animated characters, making them easily relatable, especially to younger generations.

Recently, the decline in Melon users and the shift in fan streaming habits have contributed to the growing popularity of virtual idols, fueled by the power of their fandoms. Playave, while a virtual idol group, functions similarly to a typical boy band. Fans don't perceive them solely as virtual idols but consume their content like traditional idol groups. Playave's songs, such as 'Way for Love' and 'Pump Up the Volume,' are particularly popular, and their style aligns with that often found in conventional boy bands. Therefore, one could argue that there's no significant difference between virtual idols and traditional groups.

Virtual idols are characters portrayed by real people behind the scenes, but they don't age and are not susceptible to accidents. The absence of privacy risks is also a significant advantage. However, fans don't solely appreciate virtual idols for these reasons. The psychology behind liking virtual idols is not drastically different from that of liking traditional idols. They attract fans through the unique charm and comparative advantages of their characters.

Maeum (메이브) was created by a game company, while Nivis (나이비스) was developed by a pop music company, reflecting their distinct directions. SM Entertainment emphasizes the importance of AI-generated synthetic idols. Virtual idols are particularly noteworthy due to their lack of physical limitations, as they are not human. Maeum and Nivis are anticipated to showcase different plans and activities in the future.

'Faceless singers' and virtual idols share a commonality in piquing fans' curiosity, but the way they garner attention differs. While faceless singers intrigue the public with their mysterious identities, virtual idol fans focus on the characters themselves and don't harbor the same curiosity about real individuals. Consequently, virtual idols attract public interest through a more character-centric approach.

Despite being unrealistic characters, virtual idols need to exhibit human-like charm. While surreal actions, such as spinning one's head in mid-air, can be appealing, excessive use can create a sense of distance. Therefore, it's crucial for virtual idols to reflect human emotions, warmth, and humanity. This approach may resonate with younger generations but requires a different approach for older demographics. Even those initially skeptical are starting to acknowledge the potential of virtual idols.

Cases like Playave and Isegye Idol (이세계아이돌) are still considered exceptional, but the number of virtual idol groups is steadily increasing, with new groups like Nivis and Maeum emerging. As technology advances, these groups are attracting more attention in the pop music scene. While initially popular only among specific fans, their influence is now extending to the general public. However, concerns about their scalability and mass appeal persist.

Virtual idols are cultivating new fan bases through their character traits and real-time interactions. They offer a significant advantage over traditional idols by eliminating privacy-related risks, and the emotions fans feel towards them are not significantly different from those for conventional idols. For these reasons, virtual idols are assuming increasingly prominent roles in popular culture and shaping new cultural trends.