K-Pop is no stranger to innovation, and lately, it’s been diving headfirst into the metaverse. The industry has embraced technology in ways that redefine how fans experience music, performances, and even idols themselves.
One of the most notable collaborations in the virtual space was BLACKPINK’s partnership with PUBG MOBILE , where they hosted an in-game concert titled BLACKPINK X PUBG MOBILE 2022 IN-GAME CONCERT: [THE VIRTUAL] . Fans worldwide could enjoy an immersive concert experience without leaving their homes, making it a groundbreaking moment in K-Pop’s digital evolution.
Similarly, Mnet’s Boys Planet joined forces with The Sandbox , offering an interactive experience where viewers could engage with the show in a whole new way. These collaborations mark a shift in entertainment, where the lines between reality and the virtual world continue to blur.
AI Idols Take Center Stage
Beyond virtual concerts, AI-generated idols are making waves in K-pop . Groups like aespa and K/DA introduced the idea of digital counterparts to human idols, and now, fully AI-driven groups are stepping into the spotlight.
MAVE: , an AI girl group, debuted with their hit song PANDORA and immediately caught the attention of fans. While some netizens were skeptical about AI idols replacing human artists, many were impressed by MAVE:’s polished concept and music quality.
BLACKPINK, MAVE:, SUPERKIND—who’s next to take over the virtual stage?
Another AI-driven group, SUPERKIND , initially debuted with one AI member, SAEJiN, alongside four human members. Over time, they expanded their lineup, adding more AI members and showcasing their evolution through TikTok videos. AI member Seung even went viral for his humorous reactions to MAVE:’s debut, sparking jokes about AI dating scandals .
One viral clip showed Seung reacting to MAVE:’s PANDORA music video, dropping his lollipop in shock. Netizens quickly played along, teasing that AI idols now had their own industry drama, including “dating rumors” and budget comparisons between groups. Some fans even joked that SM Entertainment’s AI character, Nævis, might be jealous of Seung’s admiration for MAVE:.
The Future of K-Pop’s Digital Evolution
With metaverse concerts, AI idols, and digital fan interactions becoming the norm, K-pop is leading the charge in merging entertainment with technology. While traditional idol groups still dominate the charts, the rise of AI-driven performances and virtual experiences is undeniable.
As AI idols like PLAVE, Eternity, Apoki, and SUPERKIND continue to evolve, the question remains: will AI completely take over, or will they simply add a new layer to the ever-expanding K-Pop universe? One thing is certain—fans are here for the ride, whether their favorite idol is human or digital.
Solo Leveling has overtaken the anime world, surpassing legendary titles like One Piece and Demon Slayer in Crunchyroll’s most-rated anime rankings. The latest milestone comes after the release of Episode 11 in the show’s second season, proving just how much of a phenomenon it has become. With over 594,500 ratings, Solo Leveling now holds the top spot, leaving behind One Piece at around 594.4K and Demon Slayer at 587K.
The immense success of Solo Leveling isn’t surprising, considering its highly anticipated adaptation. Even before its official announcement, a petition for an anime adaptation gathered over 200,000 signatures in 2019. A-1 Pictures has delivered a stellar adaptation that quickly became Crunchyroll’s most-watched anime of the previous year. Now, with 23 episodes under its belt, it has cemented its place in anime history.
A Record-Breaking Feat
solo levelling
Solo Leveling achieving this milestone in just 23 episodes is remarkable. For perspective, One Piece has over 1,122 episodes on Crunchyroll, while Demon Slayer has 63, including its TV-adapted movie. The ratings reflect the entire series rather than individual episode likes or dislikes, further solidifying the overwhelming support from the anime community.
Solo Leveling’s rise can be seen in the rankings of Crunchyroll’s most-rated anime. Other popular titles include Jujutsu Kaisen (502.3K ratings), Chainsaw Man (379.4K), and Attack on Titan (353.8K). Meanwhile, newer anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (212.7K) and Kaiju No. 8 (214.2K) continue to gain traction. This achievement sets Solo Leveling apart as one of the most influential modern anime.
Solo Leveling’s success also highlights the growing influence of Korean webtoons in anime adaptations. Other notable adaptations include Noblesse (21K ratings), The God of High School (48K), and Tower of God (104K). Though these series have solid ratings, none have come close to the overwhelming numbers Solo Leveling has achieved. This breakthrough could pave the way for more webtoon-based anime in the future.
Originally a web novel titled Only I Level Up by Chugong, the story was first serialized on KakaoPage in 2016. It was later adapted into a webtoon in 2018 by REDICE Studio, with Jang Sung-rak, also known as DUBU, handling the artwork. The adaptation gained immense popularity, but tragically, DUBU passed away in 2022 due to health issues. Despite this, the series continued its success, with its anime adaptation keeping the legacy alive.
Solo Leveling
A-1 Pictures brought Solo Leveling to life with its anime adaptation. The first season aired from January to April 2024, consisting of 12 episodes. Key staff included director Shunsuke Nakashige, character designer Tomoko Sudo, music composer Hiroyuki Sawano, and Noboru Kimura as the series composer. The anime was voted Winter 2024’s most anticipated title and later won Best New Anime.
Following its remarkable success, Solo Leveling continues to dominate the anime scene. The second season is one of the most anticipated of the year, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. As webtoon-based anime gain traction, Solo Leveling sets a new standard for future adaptations, proving that Korean stories have a significant place in the anime industry.
