Latest news with #PLAVE
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Virtual K-pop group PLAVE's agency to pursue legal action against defamation and stalking
PLAVE, a K-pop boy band made up of digital avatars produced with Unreal Engine, has made a name for itself as a notable virtual group in the music industry. PLAVE's cutting-edge visuals and rising fans continue to push the boundaries of what a K-pop group can be. Their agency, VLAST, recently published a clear statement on social media, stating plans to take aggressive legal action in response to continuous nasty behavior directed at the organization. This includes defamation, the unlawful sharing of personal information, and stalking. The agency reassured supporters that it is taking the appropriate precautions to protect the group and its members. PLAVEJP 1ST SINGLE「かくれんぼ」Concept Photo A - PLAVEDigital Release 2025.06.16Album Release 2025.07.09#PLAVE #プレイブ#PLAVE_JP_1ST_SINGLE#PLAVE_Kakurenbo Statement from VLAST The agency shared the notice on X (formerly known as Twitter), and the message below is translated from Korean to English. "On May 15, VLAST released the following statement: VLAST is continuously monitoring and taking firm legal measures against malicious acts targeting PLAVE members, including defamatory and insulting comments, the unauthorized disclosure of personal information, and stalking behaviors (or 'sasaeng behaviors') that threaten the artists' privacy and safety. PLAVE(플레이브) 보호를 위한 법적 조치 안내🔗 "Regarding previous legal actions, we have received court rulings acknowledging civil liability for damages following the conclusion of criminal proceedings. We intend to follow through thoroughly with the enforcement process. In addition, in March 2025, we filed legal complaints against individuals who disclosed personal details and posted malicious content about PLAVE members. Several suspects have been identified, and investigations are currently underway nationwide. For these cases as well, we will uphold a zero-tolerance policy and pursue both criminal penalties and civil damage claims to the fullest extent. "Moreover, we have recently confirmed ongoing stalking behavior by certain individuals who have attempted to follow or approach PLAVE members. Such actions pose a serious threat to the physical and mental safety of the artists and are clearly criminal acts that cannot be justified under any circumstances. In response, we have secured evidence, including CCTV footage and car dashcam recordings, and are prepared to file criminal charges under the Stalking Punishment Act. For repeat offenders, we will seek the maximum punishment allowed by law, including potential imprisonment. PLAVEJP 1ST SINGLE「かくれんぼ」Mood Teaser A Digital Release 2025.06.16Album Release 2025.07.09#PLAVE #プレイブ#PLAVE_JP_1ST_SINGLE#PLAVE_Kakurenbo "Sharing members' travel routes or private information, approaching their accommodations or vehicles, and taking unauthorized photos in private settings are all clear violations of their privacy and can never be condoned. We ask all fans to help foster a respectful and healthy fan culture. "We sincerely thank you for your continued support and valuable reports. The company will remain fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of our artists and promoting a sound fan environment. Thank you". About PLAVE The virtual K-pop boy band consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby, and Hamin, has quickly risen to prominence since their debut in 2023. The group has made TV appearances, performed at concerts, and earned a spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Their latest release, Caligo Pt.1, became a major success in South Korea, selling over one million copies in its first week and breaking streaming records. PLAVE3rd Mini Album'Caligo Pt.1''Dash' M/V🔗 MON 6PM (KST)#PLAVE #플레이브#Dash_PLAVE #Dash_Caligo_Pt1#PLAVE_3rd_Mini_Album#Caligo_Pt1 What sets PLAVE apart from most virtual groups is the use of real-time human control behind their avatars. Through motion-capture and advanced technology, performers bring the group's singing and movements to life on stage and screen. Despite this human element, their agency VLAST keeps the identities of the individuals behind the avatars strictly confidential.
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Meet PLAVE: The virtual K-Pop group taking tech and talent to new heights
PLAVE, a five-member K-pop group composed entirely of virtual avatars, has taken the music world by storm. With chart-topping hits, television appearances, and sold-out concerts, they mirror the trajectory of traditional K-pop idols except they exist in two dimensions. Members Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby, and Hamin are brought to life through advanced motion-capture technology, giving fans a fully immersive experience without ever revealing the real people behind the digital curtain. Speaking with Reuters under the condition of anonymity, the group shared their aspirations of global recognition akin to BTS. 'We don't often get to meet our fans so when we meet them at a concert we get very excited,' said pink-haired member Bamby. 'They cheer for us together... We make an all-out effort when we perform.' PLAVE's unique approach sets them apart from other virtual acts. Unlike AI-generated performers, their movements and vocals are human-controlled in real time. Vlast, the company behind the group, revealed that during concerts, the in-house motion-capture studio links directly to the concert venue, allowing PLAVE members to see and react to live fan feedback. 'This setup includes a feedback system that allows the members to see fan reactions from the concert venue as they perform,' Vlast CEO Lee Sung-gu explained. Their latest album, Caligo Pt.1, made waves earlier this year by selling over one million copies in a single week and topping South Korean music charts. The band has amassed over 470 million YouTube views since their 2023 debut and even landed on the Billboard Global 200 chart. Despite the growing presence of artificial intelligence in entertainment, Vlast is doubling down on motion-capture. 'It's our unique strength,' said CEO Lee. The mystery behind the real-life performers only adds to the allure for fans like Chang Ya Han, a 30-year-old from Taiwan. 'The love they give us, the way they drive us to become better, or how I wake up every day wanting to see them, that feeling is the same,' she shared during a crowded fan event in Seoul. As a "virtual entertainment" startup, Vlast has secured investments from major K-pop powerhouses like HYBE and YG Plus. In an industry increasingly embracing metaverse and AI-driven experiences, PLAVE is a frontrunner in redefining what it means to be an idol. Music critic Kim Do Heon points to accessibility as a key part of their appeal. 'It's expensive to go to an idol group's concert and you need to use a paid messaging app to interact with them these days,' he said. 'But the accessibility of cyber singers makes it much easier to like them.'
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
Virtual band PLAVE mixes K-pop and technology to charm fans
SEOUL: The five members of one of K-pop's trendiest groups PLAVE have appeared on TV, held concerts, and one of their songs has even secured a place in the prestigious Billboard Global 200, an international music chart. On paper, they seem like any other K-pop sensation, except they are two-dimensional avatars with songs and content that have racked up over 470 million views on YouTube. The band consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby and Hamin, told Reuters they want to be globally recognised like K-pop sensation BTS. 'We don't often get to meet our fans so when we meet them at a concert we get very excited,' said Bamby, who has pink hair and eyes. 'They cheer for us together… We make an all-out effort when we perform.' Unlike many other virtual groups, PLAVE's label Vlast says the avatars are controlled by humans, using motion-capture and other technology to relay their actions and singing. However, Vlast keeps the identity of the humans behind the avatars a secret, so they spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Since its debut in 2023, PLAVE has broken streaming records and topped music charts in South Korea with its latest album 'Caligo Pt.1' released earlier this year, selling over one million copies in one week. 'For concerts, we connect our in-house motion capture studio directly to the actual concert venue in real-time,' Vlast CEO Lee Sung-gu said in an email. 'This setup includes a feedback system that allows the members to see fan reactions from the concert venue as they perform.' Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, Lee says his company plans to expand on the motion-capture technique. 'It's our unique strength,' he said. Spotify submits app update to Apple with external link for purchases in US There is little difference between virtual and real-life idols to Chang Ya Han, a 30-year-old Taiwanese fan who learned about PLAVE in an Instagram video. 'The love they give us, the way they drive us to become better, or how I wake up every day wanting to see them, that feeling is the same,' she said at a crowded fan event in Seoul. Vlast describes itself as a 'virtual entertainment' startup and said it received equity investments from K-pop labels HYBE and YG Plus early last year. In recent years, technology such as AI and the metaverse have been increasingly embraced by the multi-million dollar K-pop industry. According to Seoul-based music critic Kim Do Heon, PLAVE's success hinges on its interaction with fans. 'It's expensive to go to an idol group's concert and you need to use a paid messaging app to interact with them these days,' Kim said. 'But the accessibility of cyber singers makes it much easier to like them.'
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Motion-capture idols: How virtual K-pop band PLAVE uses tech to charm global fans (VIDEO)
SEOUL, May 2 — The five members of one of K-pop's trendiest groups PLAVE have appeared on TV, held concerts, and one of their songs has even secured a place in the prestigious Billboard Global 200, an international music chart. On paper, they seem like any other K-pop sensation, except they are two-dimensional avatars with songs and content that have racked up over 470 million views on YouTube. The band consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby and Hamin, told Reuters they want to be globally recognised like K-pop sensation BTS. 'We don't often get to meet our fans, so when we meet them at a concert, we get very excited,' said Bamby, who has pink hair and eyes. 'They cheer for us together... We make an all-out effort when we perform.' Unlike many other virtual groups, PLAVE's label Vlast says the avatars are controlled by humans, using motion-capture and other technology to relay their actions and singing. However, Vlast keeps the identity of the humans behind the avatars a secret, so they spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Ahn Jin-yeong, a fan of virtual K-pop boy band PLAVE shops fan goods at a pop-up store in Seoul March 7, 2025. — Reuters pic Since its debut in 2023, PLAVE has broken streaming records and topped music charts in South Korea with its latest album Caligo Pt.1 released earlier this year, selling over one million copies in one week. 'For concerts, we connect our in-house motion capture studio directly to the actual concert venue in real-time,' Vlast CEO Lee Sung-gu said in an email. 'This setup includes a feedback system that allows the members to see fan reactions from the concert venue as they perform.' Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, Lee says his company plans to expand on the motion-capture technique. 'It's our unique strength,' he said. There is little difference between virtual and real-life idols to Chang Ya Han, a 30-year-old Taiwanese fan who learned about PLAVE in an Instagram video. Fans of virtual K-pop boy band PLAVE take a look around a pop-up store in Seoul March 7, 2025. — Reuters pic 'The love they give us, the way they drive us to become better, or how I wake up every day wanting to see them, that feeling is the same,' she said at a crowded fan event in Seoul. Vlast describes itself as a 'virtual entertainment' startup and said it received equity investments from K-pop labels HYBE and YG Plus early last year, as AI and the metaverse are increasingly embraced by the multi-million-dollar K-pop industry. According to Seoul-based music critic Kim Do Heon, PLAVE's success hinges on its interaction with fans. 'It's expensive to go to an idol group's concert and you need to use a paid messaging app to interact with them these days,' Kim said. 'But the accessibility of cyber singers makes it much easier to like them.' — Reuters Son Yong-shin, a fan of virtual K-pop boy band PLAVE, shops at a pop-up store in Seoul March 7, 2025. — Reuters pic
Express Tribune
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Virtual Korean pop band PLAVE ready to go global
The five members of one of K-pop's trendiest groups PLAVE have appeared on TV, held concerts, and one of their songs has even secured a place in the prestigious Billboard Global 200, an international music chart. On paper, they seem like any other K-pop sensation, except they are two-dimensional avatars with songs and content that have racked up over 470 million views on YouTube. The band consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby and Hamin, told Reuters they want to be globally recognised like K-pop sensation BTS. "We don't often get to meet our fans so when we meet them at a concert we get very excited," said Bamby, who has pink hair and eyes. "They cheer for us together... We make an all-out effort when we perform." Unlike many other virtual groups, PLAVE's label Vlast says the avatars are controlled by humans, using motion-capture and other technology to relay their actions and singing. However, Vlast keeps the identity of the humans behind the avatars a secret, so they spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Since its debut in 2023, PLAVE has broken streaming records and topped music charts in South Korea with its latest album Caligo Pt.1 released earlier this year, selling over one million copies in one week. "For concerts, we connect our in-house motion capture studio directly to the actual concert venue in real-time," Vlast CEO Lee Sung-gu said in an email. "This setup includes a feedback system that allows the members to see fan reactions from the concert venue as they perform." Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, Lee says his company plans to expand on the motion-capture technique. "It's our unique strength," he said. There is little difference between virtual and real-life idols to Chang Ya Han, a 30-year-old Taiwanese fan who learned about PLAVE in an Instagram video. "The love they give us, the way they drive us to become better, or how I wake up every day wanting to see them, that feeling is the same," she said at a crowded fan event in Seoul. Vlast describes itself as a 'virtual entertainment' startup and said it received equity investments from K-pop labels HYBE and YG Plus early last year, as AI and the metaverse are increasingly embraced by the multi-million dollar K-pop industry. According to Seoul-based music critic Kim Do Heon, PLAVE's success hinges on its interaction with fans. "It's expensive to go to an idol group's concert and you need to use a paid messaging app to interact with them these days," Kim said. "But the accessibility of cyber singers makes it much easier to like them." Reuters
