How AI is Effecting K-Pop Fandoms’ Creativity and Content

Have you ever wished to hear your favourite idols cover songs from another idol or group, especially if they’re on hiatus or have disbanded? Or, maybe you’ve dreamed of seeing what you look like as a K-pop idol just by using a photo of yourself? These possibilities have become a reality because of AI in the last few years, sparking discussion across fandoms. 

But the rise of this technology is also raising concerns, not just because of its environmental impact, but the authenticity and creativity that fans may lose in time. Like, instead of roleplaying, people are turning to apps like BloomingTalk or even ChatGPT to receive personalized responses from AI-generated versions of their favorites. Instead of using another fan’s skills on AO3 or Asianfanfics for fanfiction covers, some fans are turning to free AI-generated software on Canva. 

So is AI gradually slowly taking over human creativity and content creation within K-pop fandom spaces? 

Blurring the Lines

One significant thing that is all around us is the usage of AI-generated voices in videos. There are now users like Chaeblue who have uploaded an AI cover of Twice singing NewJean’s “Super Shy” or Psyche (프시케) who uploaded DBSK with all 5 members singing “Before U Go,” as if the events of 2009 did not occur. While these covers sound close to the original voices of the Twice and DBSK members, there are clear signs that they’re artificial.

But if a new fan who is unaware of the idol’s vocal ranges and their latest releases were to hear them, they might assume they’re official, and not do extensive research to find out if that cover is legitimate. That possibility is a worry for many fans like Sharlotte, a fan of BlackPink, Jungkook and Katseye, from London. 

“In an industry that strives on a particular look, perfection and uniformity in performance, it’s concerning to think about how AI could generate a cover of ‘the ‘perfect idol’ in seconds, completely erasing human K-Pop idols who have worked so hard for years to succeed.” She says.

This also expands to news and commentary channels in its use of AI-generated voices for news, which are known to be more lifeless and monotone. One that comes to mind is Kookielit, a controversial channel that delivers news with clickbait titles and uses the same, AI-generated female voice, which sounds robotic even while delivering sensitive news to their viewers.

It’s a shame because channels like Kookielit detract from the human connection fans should get when wanting genuine, relatable channels to watch for the latest in the K-pop industry. This is why more fans turn to channels such as whenfinish and dearyoongi, both deliver a neutral stance to give commentary and sometimes their own opinions about what’s going on in K-pop.

But who’s to tell what will occur in 2026 and beyond as AI is continuously being pushed? It’s also getting harder to distinguish between a real idol’s voice and an AI-generated one as the technology is developing at a faster rate.

A Struggle for Authenticity in Art 

At the centre of fandom culture are fanart and fanfiction, the pinnacle of fan creativity. It’s where many fans get their creative juices flowing and also where the what-ifs can become a reality.

But it’s been quite heartbreaking to see that the rise of AI has caused debacle for talented artists and writers. Although not within the K-pop fandoms, an AO3 writer posted on Reddit that their entire story was put into ChatGPT without their consent or using AI to alternate BlackPink’s images for new comeback concepts.

Although websites and apps like AO3 want to protect their user’s creativity from the impending changes, there are others on sites like Twitter who could care less and want to dive into where the money resides and make “AI art.”

“The real danger of letting AI lead is the loss of the human connection that fandoms are built on,” Sammie, the writer behind Cozy Kdramas and fan of Exo, Mamamoo and BTS, says. “There are so many things worth protecting: Kpop dance fan groups, song covers, fan art, fan fiction, and in-person meetups. These are the spaces where fandom culture really lives.”

Sammie’s contribution to the fandom has been participating in a non-competitive cover dance group in university, but understands the importance of human-made art. “To me, it’s important that we continue to be vocal about our boundaries with AI and prioritize genuine, human connection.”

Mentally, it can take a toll on a fan’s skills and confidence. All over social media, it begs the question: what can be done to protect our creativity when AI is flooding everywhere? 

What Do Fans Think of AI and the Future?

Many fans have expressed mixed opinions about AI. Some find it innocent and fun like this one K-pop fan tried CapCut’s AI profile to look like a K-Pop idol and the final photos did just that. But a majority see the downside of this technology.

Rima, from Hertfordshire, England, who is a fan of P1harmony, Astro and B.A.P, shares this concern. “AI takes away the imagination and creativity from humans and replaces it with soulless slop,” she says.

Others like Sammie have a nuanced view. Seeing the conversation around AI being not so simple. “AI is a really complex topic, and I don’t think it’s fair to label its impact as ‘all good’ or ‘all bad.’ … I kept thinking about how Kpop fandoms have always been leaders in innovation. Historically, we’ve been early adopters of new technologies … from programmed light sticks to virtual concerts during the pandemic. That openness to innovation naturally trickles down into fandom practices, where new tools are usually embraced quickly and super creatively.”

With AI’s growing influence on the world, it’s reshaping K-pop and fandom spaces but also blurring the line between genuine output and using technology for experimentation. 

As the industry progresses, the challenge will be for the industry to keep fan passion at the forefront instead of letting AI overshadow it at its core.

London-born writer Nyasha Oliver spends her time between London and Tokyo, traveling when she can. As well as contributing music articles, she writes about food, video games, and the experiences and stories of Black people in Asia, including her own. She can be found on Instagram @nyamwithny.

(Images via: SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Big Hit Music, TS Entertainment.)