PLAVE Presents Second Mini-Album "ASTERUM: 134-1" Through Unique Showcase

Courtesy of VLAST Entertainment

Virtual K-pop boy group PLAVE hosted a groundbreaking showcase at MBC's Golden Mouth Hall in Seoul's Mapo District on Monday. Emcees communicated that PLAVE, residing on a fictional planet named Caelum, would connect with Earth, or Terra, via video call, given their location on another planet called Asterum.

Comprising virtual members Yejun, Noah, Bamby, Eunho, and Hamin, PLAVE introduced their latest project, the second mini-album titled "ASTERUM: 134-1." The lead single, "Way 4 Luv," showcased the group's distinctive style, marked by a poignant melody and infectious chorus. 

▲ virtual idol group, PLAVE / Courtesy of VLAST Entertainment

Members actively contributed to the album's production, engaging in tasks such as writing lyrics and choreographing dances. PLAVE expressed the hope to please fans globally with a unique blend of various genres in their six-track album.

The virtual group has achieved remarkable success, with their debut mini-album, "ASTERUM: The Shape of Things to Come," surpassing 200,000 sales in its first week. All songs from the album made it to the Top 100 chart on local streaming platform Melon, a noteworthy accomplishment for a virtual group.

▲ virtual idol group, PLAVE / Courtesy of VLAST Entertainment

PLAVE, established in March 2023, distinguishes itself by presenting a narrative where members from the fictional planet Caelum are drawn to another planet, Asterum, allowing communication with Earth. The group operates in an alternate universe, primarily engaging with fans through livestreaming platforms.

While the concept of virtual humans in entertainment is not entirely new in Korea, PLAVE aims to bridge the gap between virtual and human idols by infusing their avatars with human essence. Real-life performers behind the avatars bring each virtual member's distinct personality to life, yet their identities remain undisclosed by the agency, VLAST Entertainment.

▲ virtual idol group, PLAVE / Courtesy of VLAST EntertainmentLee Sung-gu, VLAST's CEO, emphasized the group's focus on the characters rather than the real-life identities behind them. PLAVE aims to normalize the idea of virtual humans as idols, aspiring to be recognized as pioneers of a new era in virtual entertainment.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com