Virtual boy band Plave made history as the first virtual K-pop idol group to top a TV music program. The band's success and fan base illustrate a growing acceptance of virtual idols, with predictions that they may surpass human idols in the future.

Virtual idols may be the future of K-pop groups

G-Dragon and Plave topped Melon’s streaming charts for the first half 2023, with Plave amassing over 950 million streams and G-Dragon the most listeners.

신민희

G-Dragon, Plave are Melon's most popular artists of 2025 so far

Fans of the Netflix animation "KPop Demon Hunters" felt like a piece of them died when the end of the film meant the end of the music, but maybe that doesn't have to be the case.

신하늬

Can HUNTR/X and Saja Boys cross into reality?

Virtual boy band Plave, singer Rosé of Blackpink and girl group aespa have secured numerous nominations at the upcoming Music Awards Japan (MAJ) 2025.

Plave, Rosé, aespa receive nominations for upcoming Music Awards Japan 

“Dash” from virtual boy band Plave’s latest EP, “Caligo Pt.1,” debuted at No. 195 on the Billboard Global 200 chart released on Wednesday.

윤승진

Plave’s 'Dash' becomes first virtual idol song on Billboard Global 200

Comedian Kim Shin-young apologized to the virtual idol group Plave and its fans on Monday after she came under fire for making "disrespectful" comments about the virtual boy band.

Comedian Kim Shin-young apologizes for criticism of virtual idol group Plave

Virtual boy band Plave sold 1.03 million copies of its latest EP, “Caligo Pt.1,” within the first week of its release, according to its agency Vlast on Friday.

Virtual boy band Plave sells 1 million copies of latest EP

A Grammy nomination is not to be taken for granted, but the absence of any hint of K-pop at the 67th Grammy Awards may signal a possible dimming of the spotlight on the once-glorious champion of the Korean pop culture market.

윤소연

Grammy Awards snubs K-pop this year: Why this could be good for the scene

Virtual boy band Plave will release its new album, "Caligo Pt. 1," on Feb. 3, its agency, Vlast, said Friday.

Virtual boy band Plave to release new album on Feb. 3

The most uncanny experience took place at Plave’s fan concert on Oct. 5 and 6 in southern Seoul at the Jamsil Indoor Arena, where thousands of Plave fans gathered at the venue to take part in the encore fan concert of “Hello, Asterum!”

Uncanny digital quintet Plave shows fans what a real-life virtual concert looks like

Newly debuting virtual K-pop acts have fandoms growing by the day, attracting not only attention from domestic market watchers but also from tech and entertainment experts from outside of Korea.

Virtual idols, YouTubers and more: Advocacy group prepares for the future's digital stars

At the MWM music conference, experts discussed how technology will lead to an oversaturation of virtual artists, with success dependent on a real connection with fans.

Success for virtual artists relies on real connection with fans: MWM music conference talks AI

Virtual idol Plave will release its new digital single, "Pump Up The Volume!," on Tuesday, according to its agency, Vlast.

Latest news