KAIST Space Music Transmission Project Scene
"Home Sweet Home" Sent Beyond 93 Billion Light-Years
Music That Will Drift Forever, Even After Humanity Disappears
"Don't say you're lonely. I'm where you belong." (G-Dragon, from "Home Sweet Home")
The voice of singer G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong) echoed across the vast universe. A satellite transmitted "Home Sweet Home" toward the Leo constellation, the star sign of August. Will this music drift through space and someday reach an unknown existence?
On the 9th, G-Dragon made history as the first K-pop singer to send a music track into space at the KAIST Space Research Institute in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. Changing from the colorful outfit he wore at the previous forum to a neat suit, he entered the venue and gazed at the satellite for a long time before taking his seat. His expression was a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
The massive satellite became a single screen. Professor Lee Jin-jun of KAIST presented new media art created with the generative AI program "Sora." A striking image of eyes was displayed on the circular satellite, and a sound inspired by the Emille Bell added grandeur. It stimulated imagination about outer space and symbolized the strong vitality of G-Dragon’s music, which will be preserved permanently.
Then, "Home Sweet Home" was transmitted into the universe 93 billion light-years away. Although the music could not be heard on-site as it was sent via satellite, the space was filled with intense energy. G-Dragon was engrossed in capturing the moment on his phone.
"This music will continue to drift through space even if all humanity disappears. Congratulations, Professor Kwon Ji-yong." As the host’s words were met with applause, G-Dragon responded by tipping his bowler hat.
After the event, G-Dragon told Asia Economy, "I thought of the Big Bang members. It’s a pity they weren’t here to see it together." Joy was evident on his face. "I accomplished something big today. I’m happy to have left a significant footprint somewhere other than Earth."
This project began by chance over a meal. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung asked G-Dragon why he named his company "Galaxy Corporation." CEO Choi Yong-ho came up with the company name inspired by his son’s name, Wooju, which means universe. G-Dragon named the Big Bang group, drawing from the concept that the universe was created by a big explosion. Coincidentally, they shared the common theme of the universe.
This transmission was linked to NASA’s "Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" (SETI) project, which previously sent music by the British rock band The Beatles into space. This artistic experiment to permanently preserve human culture in space and attempt communication with other civilizations is expected to lead future AI entertainment technology.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
