On August 29, SM Entertainment and LG Uplus announced a groundbreaking partnership to create generative AI content for Nævis, SM’s first virtual artist. This innovative collaboration was officially signed at SM’s headquarters in Seoul and marks a significant milestone in the integration of AI and virtual entertainment.
Nævis, who is set to debut on September 10, 2024, with her digital single “Done,” is a unique addition to the K-pop industry. As a virtual singer and a pivotal character in the Aespa universe, Nævis is designed to connect the virtual world with the real world, expanding the immersive experience for fans.
Under this agreement, LG Uplus will leverage its generative AI technology, ixi-GEN, to produce content for Nævis. This technology will be used to create AI-generated images and videos, including music videos, promotional shorts, and merchandise. The aim is to offer a fresh and exciting digital experience to K-pop enthusiasts globally.
The AI-generated content is expected to enhance Nævis’s debut, providing fans with a visually compelling introduction to the virtual artist. LG Uplus’s Vice President, Jung Soo Hun, highlighted that this partnership not only promises to bring a new digital experience but also aims to boost the marketing and branding efforts for both LG Uplus and SM Entertainment.
Nævis is not just any virtual artist; she is designed to be a bridge in the Aespa universe. As a supporting character, she assists the Aespa members and their avatars by connecting different worlds through the Port of Soul (P.O.S). This connection links the Flat World, the Real World, and the Kwangya SM centre, enhancing the narrative depth of SM’s virtual universe.
The introduction of Nævis will also include an expansion into various media formats. Fans can look forward to music, webtoons, games, and brand collaborations, all featuring content generated by AI. This innovative approach aims to establish Nævis as a central figure in SM Entertainment’s virtual realm, broadening her influence beyond music.
About SM Entertainment’s Virtual Artist Nævis
Nævis, SM Entertainment’s debut virtual artist, is set to redefine the virtual music industry. With her AI-created voice and extensive digital content, she will play an important role in expanding the Aespa universe. Her debut single “Done” is eagerly anticipated as a pivotal moment in the fusion of AI and entertainment.
