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**Pulse9 Pioneering the Future of Entertainment with AI-Generated Idol Group**
In March 2021, the girl group ‘Eternity’ was introduced to the world. In a K-pop industry where 60-70 idol groups debut each year, Eternity’s debut stood out due to their unique nature – they are a virtual idol group, born from artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The creator of Eternity, Park Ji-eun (40), leads PULSE9, a company specializing in AI graphics. Park had a regular office job until she discovered deep learning during her graduate studies. She developed an AI tax consultation service, won an award at a Seoul start-up competition, and used the prize money to found PULSE9.
Starting with research on chatbots, Park initially focused on visual technology in AI, an area less explored at that time. Her company created ‘Imagine AI’, an AI artist, in collaboration with the well-known artist Dumain in 2019. Unfortunately, the project stalled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, which led Park to shift her focus to developing new technologies.
The result was the world’s first virtual idol, ‘Eternity’, created using PULSE9’s proprietary technology, ‘Deep Real AI’. This AI generates virtual character images and blends them into real-life photos or videos. Eternity, a group of 11 members, each has its own special feature, and approximately 10 real-life models were used in their creation. However, the cost of using real-life models is quite high, so the company has developed a new technology based on generative AI.
Park confirmed that they are now capable of creating complete images of virtual characters without the need for models, which saves significant costs. However, she added that the technology is still in its pre-commercialization phase, with developers working to refine it. The company plans to debut it within the year.
Although AI technology is rapidly advancing, concerns about its impact and potential misuse are growing. In response to these concerns, Park believes that such confusion can lead to establishing a new foundation for humanity. The ability to virtually experience different lives could make us better people and deepen our understanding of the world, she argued.
Park revealed that PULSE9 is planning Eternity’s first full concert in October, an offline event that will feature other artists as well. The concert will be a new experience for the company and an opportunity to learn and improve. The industry is reportedly watching PULSE9 with interest due to its continual innovations.
https://www.thescoop.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=58025
https://www.thescoop.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=58025