As K-pop embraces artificial intelligence in music production, fans and artists are divided over its impact on creativity and authenticity

K-pop fans are currently embroiled in a debate over the use of artificial intelligence in the genre. Notable K-pop stars, including the immensely popular boy band Seventeen, have begun incorporating AI into their music videos and lyric writing. Seventeen, who sold around 16 million albums last year, have sparked discussions with their latest album and single, “Maestro.” The music video features an AI-generated scene, and it’s speculated that some lyrics might be AI-generated too. At the album launch in Seoul, Woozi, a member of Seventeen, admitted to experimenting with AI in songwriting.

“We practised making songs with AI to develop along with technology rather than complain about it,” Woozi explained. “This is a technological development we have to leverage, not just be dissatisfied with. I practised using AI and tried to look for the pros and cons.”

Fans have mixed reactions. On K-pop discussion pages, some demand stricter regulations before normalizing the technology, while others, like superfan Ashley Peralta, are more accepting. “If AI can help an artist overcome creative blocks, then that’s OK with me,” says Ashley, 26. Her concern is that an entire album of AI-generated lyrics might disconnect fans from their favourite musicians. “I love it when music reflects an artist and their emotions,” she adds. “K-pop artists are much more respected when they’re hands-on with choreographing, lyric writing, and composing because you get a piece of their thoughts and feelings. AI can take away that crucial component that connects fans to the artists.”

Ashley co-hosts the K-pop fan podcast “Spill the Soju” with her best friend Chelsea Toledo. Chelsea admires Seventeen for being a self-producing group that writes and choreographs their songs but worries about AI’s impact on their reputation. “If they put out an album full of lyrics they hadn’t personally written, it wouldn’t feel like Seventeen anymore. Fans want music that is authentically them.”

For those in K-pop production, the embrace of new technologies comes as no surprise. Chris Nairn, a producer and songwriter known as Azodi, has written songs for K-pop artists including Kim Woojin and worked with SM Entertainment. Living in Brighton but spending much time in South Korea, Chris describes the Korean music industry as progressive. “Koreans are big on innovation and always ask, ‘What’s the next thing? How can we be one step ahead?’ It’s no surprise they’re implementing AI in lyric writing to keep up with technology.”

However, Chris is sceptical about AI’s future in K-pop. As someone who experiments with AI lyric generators, he finds the lyrics not strong enough for top artists. “AI is putting out fairly good quality stuff, but top-tier songwriters innovate and create something brand new. AI works by taking what’s already been uploaded and can’t innovate by itself.” Chris predicts that AI in K-pop might increase demand for more personal songs. “Fans will pressure to hear lyrics from the artist’s heart, sounding different from AI-made songs.”

Seventeen isn’t the only group experimenting with AI. Girl group Aespa, featuring AI members, used the technology in their latest music video. Supernova’s AI-generated scenes, where only the mouths of band members move, triggered many fans. “K-pop is known for amazing production and editing, so having whole scenes made of AI takes away the charm,” Chelsea says. She also worries about artists not getting proper credit. “With AI in videos, it’s harder to know if someone’s original artwork has been stolen.”

Music journalist and K-pop superfan Arpita Adhya believes AI use reflects the pressure on artists to create new content quickly. “Most artists put out an album every two years, but K-pop groups release albums every six to eight months due to the hype around them.” She notes AI’s normalization in the industry, citing AI covers on YouTube that mimic other artists’ voices. This trend calls for regulation, a sentiment echoed by Western artists like Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj, who recently urged tech firms to stop “predatory” AI use in music.

For Arpita, the lack of regulations forces fans to set boundaries. “With no clear guidelines, we struggle to decide what is right and wrong.” She hopes K-pop artists will listen to fan concerns and make changes. “Fans have a lot of influence over artists. If Seventeen and Aespa realize they’re hurting their fans, they will hopefully address that.”

Analysis:

Political:

The use of AI in K-pop music production can be seen as a reflection of South Korea’s broader commitment to technological advancement and innovation. South Korea has long positioned itself as a leader in technology, with significant government investments in AI research and development. By integrating AI into its cultural exports, the country showcases its technological prowess on the global stage. Politically, this move aligns with South Korea’s goals of maintaining its competitive edge in technology and soft power. However, it also raises questions about the role of government in regulating AI to ensure ethical use and prevent potential exploitation in the creative industries.

Social:

Socially, the integration of AI in K-pop music production touches on themes of authenticity and human connection. Fans value the personal touch that artists bring to their work, and the use of AI-generated content can be perceived as a threat to this authenticity. The debate reflects broader societal concerns about technology’s impact on human relationships and creativity. As AI becomes more prevalent in various aspects of life, the tension between embracing technological advancements and preserving human elements will continue to be a significant societal discussion. The reaction of K-pop fans highlights the importance of maintaining genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world.

Racial:

The use of AI in K-pop also intersects with racial dynamics, particularly regarding cultural appropriation and representation. AI technologies often rely on large datasets that may not adequately represent the diversity of human experiences, potentially leading to biased or culturally insensitive outputs. In the context of K-pop, which has a global fanbase, it’s crucial to ensure that AI-generated content respects and reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of its audience. Additionally, the introduction of AI in K-pop production could exacerbate existing issues of underrepresentation and lack of opportunities for minority artists, as the focus shifts towards technological solutions rather than investing in human talent.

Gender:

Gender dynamics in the K-pop industry are also affected by the introduction of AI. Traditionally, female and male idols face different expectations and pressures, with female idols often subjected to more scrutiny regarding their appearance and behaviour. AI-generated content could perpetuate these gender stereotypes if not carefully managed. For instance, AI tools used for video editing might emphasize certain beauty standards, reinforcing unrealistic expectations for female idols. Furthermore, the use of AI in creating lyrics and choreography might overlook the unique perspectives and experiences of female artists, leading to a homogenized portrayal of gender in K-pop. Ensuring gender-sensitive approaches in AI applications is essential to promote equality and diversity in the industry.

Economical:

Economically, the use of AI in K-pop production presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, AI can streamline the production process, reduce costs, and enable artists to release new content more frequently. This can lead to increased revenue for artists and production companies, as well as greater engagement from fans. On the other hand, the reliance on AI-generated content may undermine the value of human creativity and labour, potentially leading to job losses in the creative sector. Additionally, there is a risk that the overuse of AI could result in a saturation of similar-sounding music, reducing the overall quality and diversity of the K-pop genre. Balancing the economic benefits of AI with the need to preserve human artistry will be crucial for the sustainable growth of the industry.