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

When Plave finally stepped — or rather, streamed — into Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul, the nation’s largest indoor concert venue, it felt like witnessing K-pop’s latest evolution unfold in real time.

신하늬

Plave brings the virtual to reality with 'Dash: Quantum Leap' finale

Plave meets Kuromi and My Melody — the virtual boy band will collaborate with Japanese character brand Sanrio for its upcoming new single "PLBBUU," set for release on Nov. 10.

윤소연

Virtual boy band Plave teases Sanrio collaboration for new single 'PLBBUU'

Once dismissed as a fringe subculture, virtual idols are now filling stadiums, topping music charts and edging closer to the mainstream K-pop spotlight — backed by billions of dollars and powerful tech.

Virtual idols, now surging in popularity, poised to transform the K-pop industry landscape

A man in his 20s has been arrested after posting an online threat to plant explosives at a concert of virtual idol group Plave, police said Wednesday.

Man arrested for bomb threat against virtual idol group Plave concert

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.

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.

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.

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