Virtual influencer Han YuA (image: Instagram)
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Korea Bizwire) — Virtual humans are taking over the entertainment industry as they are debuting as models, singers and actors.
Online game developer Smilegate recently joined hands with creative technology company Giantstep to create a fashion magazine starring virtual influencer Han YuA.
The magazine has also teamed up with several luxury brands. She plans to debut as a singer and actress.
After Han YuA gained popularity on social media, Giantstep received a 4 billion won (US$3.36 million) investment from Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, in relation to utilizing Hybe’s intellectual property to produce virtual reality (VR) and metaverse content.
SK Square Co., the investment spinoff of SK Telecom Co., chose On Mind Inc., the company behind the digital human SUA, as its first investment project. It invested 8 billion won to purchase a 40 percent stake in the company.
Other companies are also using virtual humans for various purposes, including Lotte Homeshopping’s virtual show host and insurance company Shinhan Life’s advertisement starring virtual influencer Rozy.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
