Galaxy Corporation’s First Virtual K-pop Group Holds Global Auditions in LA, Optimistic About Creating “Eternal Artists”
- Aliyah Hinckley
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Armed with a grandiose vision to transform the landscape of technology and entertainment, Galaxy Corporation says over 100 singers, rappers, and dancers from around the world—including South Korea, Germany, and across the United States—gathered at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on September 8, 2025. They were there to audition for the company’s first-ever virtual K-pop group, a project that merges “cutting-edge technology with real-world artistry.”
This event marks the launch of the 2025 GLOBAL VIRTUAL ARTIST AUDITION, the company's first public campaign aimed at discovering talent for its AI-integrated entertainment vision. “All genres, all nationalities, no limits,” says the official Galaxy Corporation audition campaign.
“Entertainers Without Borders”
Based in South Korea, Galaxy Corporation is a global entertainment and tech company that focuses on what it calls AI EnterTech—a blend of artificial intelligence, immersive storytelling, virtual content, and talent development. The upcoming virtual K-pop group will consist of digital avatars, powered by the voices, movements, and personalities of real artists.
The project reflects Galaxy's goal of creating a group and experience that transcends borders, time, and physical limitations to connect with a global audience.
Gyuhyuk Song, also known as GK, is the Head of IP MUSIC and Team Executive of this audition campaign at Galaxy Corporation. With nearly 12 years of experience at SM Entertainment managing artists like Super Junior, EXO, and NCT, he later took on a leadership role at RED Production, the division overseeing TVXQ! and Red Velvet. GK offers a deep understanding of the traditional idol system—and its limitations.
One question that has remained with him over his career is: “Can an artist truly exist forever?” He continued, “While K-pop idols debut through a highly systemized training process, the reality is that most groups struggle to surpass the seven-year standard contract period. Their peak performances often occur in their teens and twenties, with careers fading thereafter—a reality I always found disheartening.”
Many fans discover a group just as they're disbanding due to contract expirations or hear artists express a desire to perform well into their later years, only to face many issues among the physical toll that comes with aging. But with a virtual group, that limitation shifts. The human behind the avatar may grow older, but will the avatar? Does a digital performer ever have to fade from the spotlight?
But what GK believes to be the answer to this question “lies in AI EnterTech.”
By welcoming applicants of any age, gender, and genre within categories like vocal, rap, dance, and all-rounder (versatile and can perform any roles), the auditions get rid of the traditional beauty standards and norms often associated with K-pop.
What does an Audition for a Virtual Group Look Like?
Auditionees were escorted backstage, hidden under umbrellas, and guided by on-site staff concealing their true identities. Once backstage, each performer waited in a green room before taking the stage. As seen in photos provided by the company, the auditionee stood backstage, facing screens that displayed their avatar powered by computer-generated imagery (CGI) and motion capture technology. Every movement and vocal run was mirrored in real-time by the avatar. On the opposite side of the stage—where an audience would normally stand during a concert—three judges were seated, observing the performances as they played out in both physical and virtual form. The judges saw rappers, vocalists, and dancers take the stage, delivering a mix of original songs and covers of artists including Lauryn Hill, Adele, and Justin Bieber.
This gave a small glimpse into what a virtual K-pop group consists of: digital avatars that perform music and dance, similar to traditional K-pop groups, but with their members existing entirely in the virtual space on screen. One gets to see that the avatars are powered by the person’s voice, movements, and personality.
Virtual Groups on the Rise
While virtual groups are still new to the K-pop scene, the concept isn't entirely unprecedented. PLAVE, which debuted in March 2023 under VLAST, features real performers using motion capture technology to bring 2D avatars to life. They've already made their mark, holding concerts across Asia in 2025 and becoming the first virtual idol group to enter the Billboard Global 200 chart, debuting with their song “DASH” at No. 195. Their single “Hide and Seek” also made waves, appearing on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. The group broke into Japan's Billboard charts as well.
In contrast, another virtual group—the girl group MAVE:, created by Metaverse Entertainment—debuted in January 2023 with fully AI-generated members. Built using deepfake, machine learning, and 3D production technologies, MAVE: represents a different approach to virtual idols. However, as GK emphasized, Galaxy Corporation is committed to maintaining a human core. Unlike fully AI-driven acts, Galaxy’s avatars are powered by real artists behind the scenes.
The growing fascination with virtual idols has also extended into pop culture and film, as seen in the success of the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters. The fictional K-pop groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys featured in the movie captured the attention of fans worldwide. Their impact extended beyond the screen, as the soundtrack soared to No. 1 on Billboard 200 while songs like “Golden” held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 8 weeks. Other tracks like “Soda Pop,” “Your Idol,” and “How It’s Done” also broke into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10, staying there for weeks. Despite being animated, these groups had real voice actors and singers behind them, proving just how powerful and successful virtual groups and performances can be when they’re grounded in real human talent and emotional authenticity.
With widespread global access through the use of digital platforms, all it takes is the right concept and the right people to make an impact. A virtual group can reach fans anywhere, anytime.
Beyond K-pop, Into the Future
Galaxy Corporation has already made major headlines in 2024 by signing global icon G-Dragon from BIGBANG and producing Netflix’s hit reality competition Physical 100. Now, their interest in creating virtual idols signals a broader shift in the industry: the blending of music, tech, and storytelling into a seamless entertainment experience.
The Los Angeles audition poses questions far beyond the stage: will avatars age as the humans behind them do? How much will be shared about the artist behind the avatar? Only time will tell, as this is just the beginning of the audition journey to find members as Galaxy Corporation establishes their first virtual group.
Finalists from the Los Angeles auditions will advance in GALAXY’s debut campaign. “The recent Global Virtual Artist Audition in Los Angeles is only the beginning,” said GK. “Auditions will be held exclusively first in Los Angeles, making this a rare opportunity for North American-based talent to join a debut project. Following the LA auditions, additional rounds are planned in other major global cities, with the ultimate goal of debuting as global artists who transcend borders.”
As AI technology continues to advance into unprecedented territory, many are left wondering about its true impacts on artists, musicians, and entertainers. The Virtual K-pop group is a fresh attempt at incorporating the essence of real performers into completely virtual characters.
GK said, “Through future IP projects, I aim to create ‘eternal artists' who can transcend the limitations of time, offering lasting inspiration not only to K-pop fandoms but to music lovers around the world. At Galaxy Corporation, I look forward to bringing this vision to life and invite continued attention and support for what’s to come.”
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Edited by Michelle Leung