SM Entertainment formed a strategic partnership with LG Uplus, one of the nation’s top telecom carriers, Thursday to collaborate on AI-driven content creation and joint branding efforts for its first virtual artist, Naevis.
The partnership involves using LG Uplus’s generative AI technology, ixi-GEN, to create a wide array of content for Naevis, including music videos, short visual clips and concept images. Naevis was originally introduced in aespa's digital universe, Kwangya, and is due to make her solo debut this month.
LG Uplus has been airing a video titled “The Birth of Naevis” on its IPTV service, U+TV's Dolby-dedicated channel, since Aug. 23, providing viewers with an immersive experience highlighting the story of Naevis.
"It is a milestone in achieving future-oriented content and technological innovation through creative synergy,” said Tak Young-jun, SM co-CEO, in a press release on Sunday, remarking on the strategic partnership.
"Our digital innovation goal is to provide new and enjoyable experiences for our customers. Collaborating with SM, a leading K-pop agency, will offer new digital experiences not only to our domestic customers but also to global K-pop fans,” said Jung Soo-heon, vice president of LG Uplus' Consumer Division.
Naevis, set to debut on Sept. 10, will feature hyper-realistic visual effects.
She will also adapt to various forms, including 2D and 3D, tailored to the characteristics of different platforms.
Using AI voice technology and generative AI on the virtual artist, SM plans to expand Naevis' intellectual property into music, webtoons, games, merchandise and brand collaborations.
