K-pop fans are currently divided over the use of artificial intelligence.
Some of the genre's biggest stars, including boy band Seventeen, are now using the technology to produce their music videos and write their lyrics.
Last year, the South Korean group sold about 16 million albums, making them one of the most successful bands in K-pop history.
But their latest album and single, “Maestro,” has generated intense reactions.
The music video includes scenes generated by artificial intelligence.
Speaking to reporters at an album launch in the capital Seoul, one of the members of the band Vuzi told them they were “experimenting” with artificial intelligence to help write songs.
“We don't want to complain about technology, we want to evolve with it, so we've been practicing using AI to create songs,” he said.
“This is a technological achievement that we should take advantage of, not just complain about.”
“I was trying to practice using artificial intelligence and think about what the advantages and disadvantages are.”
However, Vuzi later announced on Instagram that all of Seventeen's songs were “written and composed by him.”
On websites dedicated to K-pop, opinions are divided among fans of the genre.
Some say rules need to be put in place before the use of the technology becomes widespread.
Some, such as K-pop super fan Ashley Peralta, have been more open.
“If artificial intelligence can help artists overcome creative obstacles, then I'm OK with it,” says Ashley, 26.
But she worries that if an entire album's lyrics are generated by artificial intelligence, fans will lose the emotional impact their favorite musicians give them.
“I like it when music reflects the artist and their emotions,” she says.
“K-pop artists get more respect when they come up with the choreography, write the lyrics and compose the music, because then the audience can pick up on some of their thoughts and emotions.”
“And the use of artificial intelligence could erase a key element of the connection between artists and fans.”
Ashley and her best friend Chelsea Toledo host a podcast Spilling Shochu For K-POP fans.
Chelsea loves that the band Seventeen writes their own songs and choreography, but worries that the use of artificial intelligence could change that.
“If they release an album full of lyrics they didn't write themselves, I don't know if it will be the same SEVENTEEN anymore. Fans want music that shows they're the real deal.”
Those involved in K-pop production aren't surprised to see artists adopting new technology.
Chris Nairn is a producer, composer and songwriter who goes by the stage name Azodi.
For the past 12 years, he has written songs for K-pop artists including Kim Woo-jin and major agency SM Entertainment.
Chris, a Brighton-based artist who works with K-pop stars, has spent a lot of time in South Korea and says the music industry is progressive.
“When I went to Seoul, I noticed that Koreans value innovation and are very open to what's next and thinking about how they can stay one step ahead,” he says.
“So it's no surprise to me that they're applying artificial intelligence to their writing. It's a way for them to keep up with technology.”
When asked if artificial intelligence is the future of K-pop, Kris said he doesn't believe it.
He himself uses artificial intelligence to write his lyrics, but believes it's not enough for top artists.
“Artificial intelligence can generate incredibly high quality lyrics, but the top songwriters who do it best are inventing and creating something entirely new.
“Artificial intelligence cannot create anything new by itself, because it uses content that is already available.”
Chris believes that the use of artificial intelligence in K-pop will increase the demand for songs with more personal emotion.
“Fans will want to hear lyrics that come from the artist's heart, so it will sound different than a song written by an artificial intelligence.”
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SEVENTEEN is not the only K-pop band using artificial intelligence.
Aespa, a girl group made up of some AI-generated members and some real-life members, also used the technology in their latest music video.
The music video for the song “Supernova” features scenes generated by artificial intelligence in which the band members' faces remain stationary and only their mouths move.
Chelsea, a podcast host and huge K-pop fan, said this sparked a lot of backlash from people.
“K-pop is known for its amazing production and editing, but it will lose its charm if the entire scene is generated by artificial intelligence,” she added.
Chelsea also worries that artists' work will not be properly recognised.
“The use of artificial intelligence in music videos makes it harder to spot whether someone's original work has been plagiarized. This is a really sensitive issue.”
Arpita Ajha is a journalist who follows music and is a huge K-Pop fan.
He believes the use of artificial intelligence in the K-pop industry is a sign that artists are feeling pressured to create something new.
“While most artists release albums every two years, K-pop groups release albums every six to eight months due to the high interest.”
She also believes that the use of AI is already becoming commonplace in the industry, given the surprising popularity of AI-generated cover songs on YouTube.
Cover songs are created by fans using artificial intelligence to imitate the voices of other artists.
Arpita is adamant that the rules be put in place, as artists in the Western world have demanded.
Last month, megastars including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj penned an open letter calling for an end to “predatory” use of artificial intelligence in the music industry.
They called on tech companies to promise not to develop AI music-generation tools that “undermine or replace the skill and talent of songwriters and artists, or deny us fair compensation for our work.”
Arpita says since there are no rules, fans feel it is their duty to define what is and isn't allowed.
“Since there are no clear guidelines regarding the extent to which artists can or cannot use artificial intelligence, we set our own boundaries and always try to think about 'what is right and what is wrong?'”
Fortunately, K-pop artists know what their audiences want, she said, adding that she hopes the situation will change.
“Fans are the most important and have the biggest influence on artists.
“The band is always willing to learn and listen to the audience. If SEVENTEEN and AESPA realize that they are hurting their fans, they will likely address it.”
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