AI Revolutionizes Music Videos: From K-Pop to Kendrick Lamar

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the music industry is witnessing a transformative shift with AI-generated music videos gaining traction both domestically and internationally.

On October 16, the group Fantasy Boys announced that their upcoming music video for the new single 'Undeniable,' set to release on October 24, will incorporate AI technology. Directed by Kwang-soo Kim of MBK Entertainment and produced by Embody Film, the video is being touted as the 'first AI music video' by Kim's team. However, AI has already been utilized in numerous music video productions within the K-pop industry and beyond.

In South Korea, SM Entertainment's virtual artist nævis is a notable example. Last September, nævis released the music video for the debut track 'Done,' with both the voice and visuals entirely AI-generated. As a character created by AI, nævis's music video is also considered an AI product.

Another example is the music video by the band Shirakami Woods, formed by Kim Geon-jae of the band Silica Gel. The video for their song 'Sunset,' released in February, was entirely produced using AI. Directed by Chan-hyuk Hong of media art lab teamNode, the video features AI-generated imagery, particularly from the 35-second mark, showcasing dynamic sunset visuals.

Internationally, AI has been actively used in music video production since 2022. American rapper Kendrick Lamar utilized deepfake technology in his May 2022 music video for 'The Heart Part 5.' In the video, Lamar's face transforms into six famous figures, including Kanye West, Will Smith, and Kobe Bryant, delivering lyrics from their perspectives. This artistic choice uses AI to explore social pressures and identity issues faced by Black celebrities.

Globally renowned American band Linkin Park released an AI-animated music video for their previously unreleased track 'Lost' last year. The video, credited as an 'AI Production,' was created by generating images from past live footage and archival materials, then animating them. The project was praised as a 'visualization of memories.'

An industry insider commented, "AI music videos are still in an experimental phase, but they offer new possibilities in terms of production cost, speed, and expression." They added, "We can expect more diverse attempts to use AI as a tool to expand artists' concepts and universes in the future."

By Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr