DeepMindPlatform Successfully Establishes as AI Entertainment Company... PinkBus MV Surpasses 3.8 Million Views in 12 Days

DeepMind Platform announced on the 12th that the music video (Korean version) of the virtual girl group PINKVERSE's 'Call Devil' has recorded over 3.8 million viewers within 12 days of its release, achieving great success.

A DeepMind representative stated, “Within just ten days of PINKVERSE's debut, the channel's subscriber count surpassed 100,000, and within 12 days of the 'Call Devil' music video release, the combined views on the official YouTube channel and WonderK YouTube channel exceeded 3.8 million, gaining significant popularity. We aim to quickly capture the domestic market for AI virtual entertainment and leap forward as the world's top virtual idol production company.”

Virtual idols refer to characters who perform idol activities as virtual humans. They are created by combining the latest software technologies such as 3D modeling and motion capture with hardware technologies like cameras and special sensors. This allows users to experience a seamless blend between virtual and real worlds.

The virtual business first started in Japan. Representative companies include Cover and Anicallor, which specialize in virtual YouTubers (VTubers). Cover, established in 2016, operates the virtual YouTuber group 'Hololive Production' and recorded sales of 20.4 billion yen (approximately 1.808 trillion KRW) last year. Anicallor, which operates the popular VTuber group 'Nijisanji,' also saw significant growth, recording sales of 25.3 billion yen (approximately 2.24 trillion KRW) last year, six years after its establishment. The world's most popular VTuber, Hoshou Marin, has over 3.22 million YouTube subscribers (as of June 10).

Recently, K-POP virtual idol groups have been introduced to the public through various broadcasting media in Korea, showing rapid growth. Virtual idols are gaining attention not only in Japan but also domestically.

A company representative said, “Interest is increasing as we communicate with the public through media appearances and our own live broadcasts. We expect the combination of idols and virtual technology to popularize the market in a short period.”

Leading virtual idols in Korea include the five-member virtual boy group PLAVE and the six-member virtual girl group Isekai Idol. PLAVE ranked first on terrestrial music broadcasts, and their second mini-album's initial sales reached approximately 560,000 copies. Isekai Idol's third single, KIDDING, achieved first place on YouTube Music Korea's rising popularity chart and the Melon HOT 100 music chart.

The four-member meta-idol MAYB recorded about 3.5 million views for their terrestrial music broadcast debut stage. Notably, their first single album PANDORA's music video surpassed approximately 28 million views.

An industry insider said, “Virtual idols are no longer a subculture but have established themselves as mainstream by ranking high on major domestic music charts recently.”

According to the economic comprehensive media group MarketWatch, the global VTuber market size is expected to grow more than sixfold from $2.18832 billion (approximately 3.0122 trillion KRW) to $13.26526 billion (approximately 18.2596 trillion KRW) by 2028.

A DeepMind representative said, “We possess the technological capability to provide all processes necessary for debut, from virtual group auditions to album releases and content production, through collaboration with numerous affiliates and partners. We support a wide range of activities, including online operations such as SNS and communities, as well as offline operations like showcases and concerts.”

They added, “Although the virtual idol business has high entry barriers, its growth is remarkable, making it a blue ocean business domestically. We are currently producing multiple projects aiming to become the world's largest virtual idol operator.”