Galaxy, the agency behind K-pop icon G-Dragon, is set to revolutionise the entertainment industry with ambitious plans for "entertainment technology." The company aims to launch AI-powered glasses for fans and establish a unique robot concert venue in Seoul, signalling a significant shift towards integrating advanced tech into the K-pop experience.
Key Takeaways
- Galaxy plans to introduce K-pop-dedicated AI glasses by late 2026.
- A robot concert venue is set to open in Seoul on May 5.
- The initiatives aim to deepen fan engagement and create immersive experiences.
AI-Powered Fan Engagement
Galaxy's founder, Choi Yong-ho, announced the upcoming "White Whole" AI glasses, designed to foster a closer connection between artists and fans. These glasses will offer real-time translation of artists' speeches, allowing international fans to understand them instantly. Furthermore, the device will transmit live audio from the artist's perspective, including ambient sounds and even breathing, providing an unprecedented level of intimacy.
A key feature of the AI glasses is a camera that projects the artist's point of view onto large screens during performances. This aims to create an interactive experience, combining the artist's sight, sound, and voice for the audience. "In simple terms, fandom is a kind of one-sided love – and fans want to feel closer," explained Mr Choi. The long-term vision includes integrating these glasses with personal robots as controllers within three to five years.
Robot Concerts and Virtual Idols
In addition to the AI glasses, Galaxy is launching a large-scale robot park in Seoul's Songpa-gu on May 5. The first phase will feature a K-pop robot arena where visitors can experience concerts performed by robots. This venue is expected to host over 1,000 performances annually, offering families a unique opportunity to enjoy and even learn K-pop dances together.
Galaxy is also venturing into virtual entertainment, preparing to debut a virtual idol group through an ongoing audition programme. Further developments include an AI-powered music studio and a dance training space that combines AI and robotics, both slated for launch within the next four months.
While these technological advancements are largely untested in the K-pop industry, Mr Choi stressed the importance of timing and industry dialogue. "What matters is whether this kind of entertainment technology is needed and when it should be introduced," he stated, emphasising the goal of presenting the right technology at the right time.