aespa is a new K-pop group from SM Entertainment that includes a mix of human and virtual members like ae-KARINA, both of which will be featured in future appearances. The computer-generated ae-KARINA is like a digital version of band member Karina and like her real-life counterpart, the avatar's best skills are said to be vocals, rap and dance.
According to SM Entertainment’s founder Lee Soo-man, avatars like ae-KARINA are helping to usher in the beginning of the future of entertainment, as "It projects a future world centred on celebrities and avatars, transcending boundaries between the real and virtual worlds."
At a time when bands and artists are taking their talents online as physical venues have temporarily closed, avatars may indeed become more mainstream.
Virtual K-Pop Artists
K-Pop Band aespa's Newest Member is ae-KARINA
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Music Artists - Creating computer-generated avatars of music band members offers an opportunity to explore merging the digital world with conventional performance and transforming the music industry.
2. Mixed Reality Performances - The integration of virtual and real-life performers on stage presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the entertainment industry to explore new ways of delivering immersive experiences.
3. Avatars in Entertainment - The use of digital avatars in movies, tv shows and music videos could open up an entirely new category of entertainment and expand the market for creative content producers.
Industry Implications
1. Music Industry - Integrating virtual performers to share the stage with human musicians can offer significant value proposition, including cost savings, new revenue streams, and lower environmental impacts.
2. Gaming Industry - Expanding the horizon for avatar and character creation in gaming could offer new and unique opportunities for partnering with bands and artists and creating unique games and experiences.
3. Film and TV Industry - Virtual character and avatar creation can be used in the production of animated and live-action films and TV series, enabling new storytelling possibilities and introducing exciting and unconventional movie content.