Virtual Idols Take Center Stage: K-Virtual Artists to Lead the Next Wave at MBC Virtual Live Festival

K-pop’s next-generation powerhouses are set to gather for a groundbreaking event that could reshape the industry’s landscape.

On October 18 and 19, the 'MBC Virtual Live Festival with Coupang Play' will take place at Sangam Culture Plaza in Seoul’s DMC district. This future-forward omnibus concert brings together the best of K-virtual artists and top-tier K-pop acts, promising fans an unprecedented fusion of talent and technology.

Over 20 K-pop artists—including &TEAM, AHOF, izna, KiiKii, KISS OF LIFE, KOYOTE, NMIXX, tripleS, and Choi Ye-na—are confirmed for the lineup. Yet, the festival’s concept and spotlight are clearly centered on virtual artists, signaling a major shift in focus.

Leading the charge are K-virtual icons like PLAVE, ISEGYE IDOL, APOKI, and nævis, all of whom are set to showcase a presence as commanding as their real-world counterparts. Notably, this festival marks the largest participation of virtual artists in a domestic event to date, underscoring their rising influence in the K-pop scene.



PLAVE has truly opened a new chapter for virtual idols.

Recently, they made history as the first virtual idol group to perform at the KSPO Dome—often described as the “dream stage” for Korean artists. All three fan club pre-sale shows sold out instantly, proving their immense popularity. Their encore concert will expand even further, taking place at the larger Gocheok Sky Dome on November 21 and 22.

PLAVE’s global impact is undeniable. Their mini third album 'Caligo Pt.1,' released in February, saw its title track 'DASH' debut at No. 195 on the Billboard Global 200—making them the first virtual idol group to enter the chart. In June, they officially debuted in Japan, quickly topping major local music charts and igniting a new wave of fandom.

ISEGYE IDOL, created by streamer Woowakgood, made a splashy debut in 2021 with their single 'RE : WIND.' Beyond music, they’ve gained fame through webtoons like 'Magical Girl ISEGYE IDOL' and 'ISEGYE IDOL: Beyond Dimensions.' Their webtoons have surpassed 10 million cumulative views, while fundraising for print editions and special official merchandise has reached nearly KRW 8.8 billion (approx. $6.4 million USD)—setting a new record for domestic crowdfunding.



APOKI, who debuted in February 2021, is recognized as Korea’s first virtual K-pop artist. With over 5 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, APOKI’s digital popularity is unmatched. Meanwhile, nævis, SM Entertainment’s first virtual artist, has been making waves with her new single 'Sensitive,' appearing on music shows and even sharing the stage with girl group aespa—captivating K-pop fans with her dynamic activities.

As virtual artists become a new pillar of the K-pop market, large-scale festivals now put them at the forefront. This is no longer just an experimental trend; it’s a signal that the very structure of the K-pop industry is evolving.

With stages where reality and the virtual world merge through music, anticipation is high for the new possibilities that K-virtual artists will bring to K-pop, capturing the attention of fans around the globe.

Photo Credit: VLAST, Parable Entertainment, SM Entertainment, VV Entertainment

 

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