The South Korean entertainment industry is known for staying up to date with the latest digital trends and technological advancements. In recent years, a new era has emerged with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From backgrounds to virtual idols, AI has become a norm in the K-pop industry. It is making us rethink what creativity and artistic expression actually mean.
Use of AI in Film and Drama Production
The hit show ‘Queen of Tears’ had one of its producers reveal how some scenes used AI. An Hee-soo, a Virtual Production producer at the South Korean media and entertainment giant, said the team generated a breathtaking snowy landscape with detailed tree structures without travelling abroad. Korea’s first AI-driven drama, ‘Kiss Lighting – Ghost Cupid,’ also showed AI’s growing role in production.
According to Kings Creative, the director wrote a rough outline, which was then refined using ChatGPT. The ideas were discussed in meetings before the writer finalised the script. These examples show how AI is reshaping the filmmaking process. Some festivals even focus exclusively on AI-made movies. The Busan International AI Film Festival (BIAIF) held its second edition in December 2025. The biggest positive often highlighted is the significant reduction in time and costs, making it possible for almost anyone to become a movie or drama creator.
Growing Influence of AI in the K-pop Industry
The integration of AI has also revolutionised music production in the K-pop industry, from composing songs to producing music videos. For instance, aespa, a K-pop girl group, used AI in the music video for their latest song, ‘Supernova. Another growing trend is the creation of virtual idols, which are not entirely AI-generated but instead use the help of AI tools. In these cases, creators capture real dancers’ movements through motion capture technology and incorporate them into the idols. Some notable examples include PLAVE, MAVE, and aespa’s æ-avatars. Notably, groups like PLAVE have actually gained a significant fan base.
At the same time, fans themselves are increasingly interacting with AI technology. They are creating AI-generated covers of popular songs. For instance, an AI version of IU’s ‘Love Wins All’ features the voice of BTS’s V in a duet, which closely resembles the singer. This accuracy raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology. Since AI can mimic an artist’s voice, it risks generating unauthorised content or misrepresenting artists. Fans may find it hard to distinguish between real and AI-generated versions.
Industry Leaders Shape the AI Future in K-pop
This growing influence of AI has led companies like SM and HYBE to develop visions and invest heavily in AI technologies. SM was the first to articulate an AI-centred vision with the creation of Aespa’s virtual avatars. Meanwhile, HYBE moved on the technical and operational front. HYBE invested in AI audio startup Supertone. ‘Masquerade‘, the debut single of Midnatt, the alter ego of Big Hit Music’s Lee Hyun, used AI for multilingual pronunciation correction and voice design. AI is also taking on physical form. Galaxy Corporation, which manages K-pop star G-Dragon, is developing humanoid robot idols to perform on stage and interact with audiences.
Ethical Debate
The primary argument in favour of AI is the cost-cutting benefits resulting from these advancements. As virtual idols can work 24/7 and require no food or housing expenses, their costs remain much more manageable. Also, producers do not need to consider human limitations. But it also raises concerns.
Many believe that AI cannot replicate human feelings, which play an essential role in music. Others raise ethical concerns, questioning whether the art belongs to the programmer, the company, or the machine itself. There are also concerns about job losses and the growing ecological impact associated with AI. Overall, there is no denying the widespread use of Artificial Intelligence in the Korean entertainment industry, and we must watch what the future holds in this regard.
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