AI idols have become a hot topic lately, with the growing popularity of virtual groups like MAVE, PLAVE, and SUPERKIND (with two AI members) and the recent debut of aespa’s Naevis. But although AI has only just now become advanced enough to make realistic AI idols possible, the concept of a virtual idol has been around for a long time. The first ever virtual idol, Adam, was created all the way back in 1996, and looked very different from the virtual idols of today, showing just how far technology has advanced:

As AI idols become more popular in the industry, so does the debate over whether they will ever reach the success levels of human idols. Some netizens believe that it is inevitable, as AI technology advances and the appearance and behaviors of AI idols become more natural and human-like. Others argue that the main contributor to AI idols’ success is the work of the people behind them—stating that no matter how far technology advances, humans will always be more drawn to other humans.

“I don’t think it can become as popular as real humans. AI is programmed by humans and has limitations, but human idols can learn and improve and react to things in real time. Of course, AI will get more advanced over time, but I don't think it will be possible to completely replace humans. No matter how much technology advances, I think there are certain things that only humans can do”

“It's possible they’ll become more popular, but it seems like it'll be treated as 2D and recognized as a separate category from idols. Even now, virtual YouTubers and virtual idols aren't exactly the same as the 3D version”

“I think it will become very popular. After all, there are science fiction works that feature people falling in love with robots. I still occasionally talk to ChatGPT. Sometimes, I feel that it is better than people…”

“It's possible, but looking at the current state of AI, it seems like it will take some more time”

“I don't know if it will be popular or not. I think virtual idols are okay because there’s usually just one person behind it, but AI is like a patchwork of various things, so it doesn't work as well. It's a different feeling from having a voice actor for a virtual character”

“With vocaloids and V-Tubers being popular, there may be an increase in demand from those who are tired of people”

“If the graphics get even better and they develop personalized AI, AI idols would be extremely successful…it’s creepy to imagine”

“No..... Idols are successful because they are humans. Fans of an idol like that person's real story. What neighborhood in Seoul was that person born in on what year, month, and day? What school did they go to and what did they do well in? How did they end up dreaming of becoming a singer? Singing and dancing are secondary--it's really an industry that sells that person's life. It's understandable that they'd want to try out AI idols, but I don't think many idol fans are interested in that these days”

What are your thoughts on the AI idol debate?

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