Playv. Photo from Vlast homepage.

PLAVE: South Korea's Pioneering Virtual Idols Reshaping the K-Pop Landscape

By Jonathan Park

Yongin, South Korea — The Korean music scene, renowned for its pioneering trends, has ushered in a fresh phenomenon that defies the traditional notion of idol groups: PLAVE. More than just a digital marvel, this virtual boy band is at the forefront of blending technology with raw musical talent.

Formed by VLast, PLAVE (Korean: 플레이브; stylized in all caps) is no ordinary boy band. They made waves with a Twitter announcement in July 2022 and showcased their potential through live broadcasts on platforms like YouTube and Twitch in September of the same year. However, it was in March 2023 that they officially stepped into the limelight with the release of their single album, "Asterum."

Their unique visual appeal sets PLAVE apart — an embodiment of the intricate and expressive characters often witnessed in South Korean webtoons or manhwas. Created by the intellectual property content production company VLAST, the five-member group — Noah, Bamby, Yejun, Eunho, and Hamin — are not just any virtual personas. Unlike some AI idols, they are grounded in reality, utilizing motion capture technology that traces their real-life movements, ensuring that the songs and dances emanate from genuine human talent.

But it's not just about the look. Each member boasts an "all-rounder" status. From singing, dancing, and rapping to even composing their songs, PLAVE's versatility is commendable. Their world is themed around a fascinating narrative: characters from a virtual world called "Kaelrum," who, upon receiving abilities from Earth's developers, can now communicate with our world, or "Terra."

Before their meteoric rise post-debut, PLAVE had already started forging connections with fans. Their official YouTube channel was a testament to their talent, with cover videos and live streams showcasing their prowess and camaraderie.

And 2023 is their golden year. Post their debut with "Asterum," notably produced by HYBE's renowned producer EL CAPITXN, the group unveiled another single, "Why?" in May. June brought another gift for their fans, now officially named PLLI, and they're slated to release a mini-album titled "Asterum: The Shape of Things to Come" this August.

As PLAVE continues to challenge and redefine what it means to be an idol group in the modern era, one thing's for sure: the Korean music industry and fans worldwide are in for a thrilling ride.