From K-pop to sales girls: AI goes mainstream in South Korea

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Also Read: K-pop megastars BTS mark decade of dominance in music industry "Virtual humans are basically capable of carrying out much of what real people do," she said, adding that the current level of AI technology means humans are still needed -- for now. The demand for AI humans in South Korea was initially driven by the K-pop industry, with the idea of a virtual idol -- not prone to scandals and able to work 24/7 -- proving popular with the country's notoriously hard-driving music agencies.

But now, Pulse9 is "expanding their roles in society to show that these virtual humans aren't just fantasy idols but can coexist with humans as colleagues and friends", Park said. - K-pop face - Zaein's face was created by a deep learning analysis -- an AI method that teaches computers to process complex data -- of the faces of K-pop stars over the last two decades.

Doe-eyed with delicate features, fair skin and a willowy figure, she is brought to life by overlaying the deepfake on a human actor. More than 10 human actors, each with different talents -- from singing, dancing, acting, to reporting -- help animate Zaein, which is what makes this particular AI creation so "special", Park said.

On a Monday morning, AFP met with one of the actors as she was preparing to deliver a report as Zaein on a live morning news programme on South Korean broadcaster SBS. Also Read: BTS Army Day 2023: Popular K-pop band marks 10 years of fandom with release of first book ‘Beyond the Story’ "I think it can be a good practice for people who want to become celebrities and that's what appealed to me," said the actor, who could not be named due to company policy.