AI Takes Over: New K-pop Survival Show ‘A-IDOL’ Premieres on MBC

AI is set to judge active K-pop idols for the first time ever.

MBC’s groundbreaking K-pop survival audition program, ‘A-IDOL’, will premiere its first part on the 17th (Sunday) at 12:40 a.m. KST. The show introduces an innovative format where an AI producer, LODIA-I, evaluates the performances of 36 current idol members in real time.

‘A-IDOL’ pushes the boundaries of traditional audition programs, establishing itself as a next-generation “entertainment tech” show. The contestants are six idol groups—Lightsum, Purple Kiss, woo!ah!, DreamNote, Ichillin’, and CSR—all groups with at least three to four years of experience in the industry. Through ‘A-IDOL’, these idols will showcase stages that blend competition and collaboration between humans and AI.

In the show, digital human AI PD LODIA-I analyzes and evaluates each group’s vocals, choreography, stage presence, and style within a mysterious virtual space called “Hexarium.”

What sets LODIA-I apart is its unique, non-human perspective and criteria for judging. Based on its assessments, contestants will face elimination each round. Participants will receive tailored feedback from the AI after every stage, allowing them to grow and develop their skills throughout the competition.

Unlike previous audition shows, ‘A-IDOL’ is led entirely by AI—planning, directing, and judging—creating a new kind of tension and synergy as human artists and artificial intelligence work together. The program promises a wealth of captivating moments for viewers.

The production team commented, “By combining elements of fantasy genre storytelling and original directing, we’ve created a sophisticated visual experience where reality and virtual worlds intersect.”

As the world’s first K-pop survival audition program judged by AI, MBC’s two-part ‘A-IDOL’ will air Part 1 on the 17th (Sunday) at 12:40 a.m. KST, followed by Part 2 on the 24th (Sunday) at the same time.

Photo Credit: MBC
 

This article is a translated version of the original Korean article published by Xportsnews, originally written by Jeong Mingyeong. This article was translated from Korean using AI-assisted tools and human review to deliver an accurate and culturally appropriate version for international readers.