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YG signs AI influencer, fans say 'can't even take care of their real human artists'

Han YuA is a digital human and virtual influencer that has signed with YG's modeling agency YG KPlus

If K-pop Twitter thought SM Entertainment introducing AI (artificial intelligence) counterparts for aespa was the most bizarre take on technological progress, they are in for a shock. The newest artist that YG Entertainment has signed is AI influencer, Han YuA. Previously, in 2018 K/DA, a completely virtual K-pop group was formed to promote the League of Legends World Championship. Their human counterparts had been (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon and Miyeon, Madison Beer and Jaira Burns. Well, we are now getting a purely virtual K-pop artist without a human counterpart.

On February 16, YG signed virtual influencer Han YuA to their modeling label YG KPlus. She was created in 2021 by Smilegate as the protagonist of a VR game. Following its popularity, she was developed into an AI by Giantstep, the same company responsible for creating the AIs for SM's girl group, aespa. YG plans to promote YuA as a broadcaster, YouTuber, model and K-pop idol. Insiders claim that she will also be collaborating with YG’s idol groups like Blackpink.

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YG is under fire for mistreating human artists

Knetizens found the whole concept of digital humans strange but it is international fans who have a much angrier response. YG has time and again come under fire for mistreating their human artists. It took a year to give Treasure a comeback after their debut while it has been 500 days since the last music release of Blackpink, one of the biggest K-pop groups at the moment. On the other hand, BIGBANG and iKON’s comebacks have become so rare that fans claim they thought the groups were not active anymore.

On the news of YG’s new artist, many had mixed responses. One fan tweeted, “This mf company giving us everything but what we ask for.” Another posted, “Should they not be looking after their HUMAN artists before doing this stupid random s**t?! If you have so much money GIVE iKON A CB!! AND A FREAKING GOOD CB AT THAT!! IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS!!” One fan joked that Yoo-ah is actually aespa’s AI, Naevis, “Naevis finally got a new job.” 

'Watch her get more comebacks than Blackpink'

Another shared, “Everybody was criticizing aespa concept for all the big companies to release actual A.I idols with no human counterparts.” One fan added, “YG can't even taking care of their real human artists and now they got AI? peak comedy.” Another joked, “Poor thing gonna be stuck on a flash drive.” One user made a reaction meme, “People who have been training under YG for years and have yet to debut.” Another hilariously commented, “NAEVIS VS YG AI FANWARS LETS GOOOO.” One fan added, “Watch her get more comebacks then blackpink.” 

One user said, “She will be buffering every second since yg's wifi is shit lol.” One user tweeted, “Waiting for dating scandal.” Another was paranoid, “It's always YG and SM.... forever terrified of them cus like... how do they NOT fear artificial intelligence/advanced technology in the slightest dawg ??? what if they turn on yew???” One fan posted, “And if they treat a virtual woman better than the real women in their company?” Another shared, “If she gets better treatment than bp, i’m pulling the plug.”

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