Virtual human YuA to debut as singer through dance song 'I Like That'

By Kim Joo-heon Posted : April 12, 2022, 15:31 Updated : March 7, 2023, 11:20

[Courtesy of Smilegate]

SEOUL -- YuA, a virtual artist created by South Korean game publisher "Smilegate" and a visual effects company, will make her debut with a dance song titled "I Like That." Hundreds of voice data were synthesized using artificial intelligence technology to create the 20-year-old's voice.  
 
Smilegate said in a statement that YuA's debut song will be released through music websites at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) on April 12. The new single portrays an AI human expressing her mysterious feelings while enjoying her delightful days on Earth. Various voice data from different age groups were collected to create YuA's voice.
   
"We hope that many people take an interest in YuA, who will engage in various activities as a virtual artist in the future," Smilegate IP business executive director Baek Min-jeong said in a statement. Park Woo-sang, a famous K-pop producer who created hit songs including "Starry Night" by MAMAMOO, created lyrics and composed the song. Kim Do-hee, a famous choreographer at 1MILLION Dance Studio, was in charge of YuA's choreography. The music video was directed by Vikings League, a famous dance team that produced girl band Red Velvet's music video.
 
YuA with some 104,000 followers on Instagram has a goofy personality and enjoys eating ice screams. Her favorite song is "Dancing in the Moonlight" by Toploader.
 
Various artificial humans are active as models and singers in South Korea. Reah Keem, an artificial musician created by LG Electronics, made her debut in January 2022 by signing an agreement with entertainment company Mystic Story. The entertainment agency is run by South Korea's veteran singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin.
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