Virtual K-pop Group PLAVE Makes History on ‘Boys Planet 2’
What happens when a virtual idol group takes the reins as music producers on a nationally televised K-pop survival show? You get PLAVE, the first ever AI-based K-pop group to produce an original track—lyrics, choreography, and all—for Mnet’s ‘Boys Planet 2’. And let’s just say: it’s not just a cameo—it’s a main dish.
Who Is PLAVE and Why Are They Headlining This Episode?
PLAVE (short for “Play+Rêve”), a metaverse-based boy group made up of AI-rendered idols, isn’t just dipping their toes in the music scene—they’re cannonballing in. Already generating buzz with their ongoing Asia tour, they’ve now made K-pop history by becoming the first virtual idols to act as producers on a televised survival show.
On the April 4 broadcast of Mnet’s ‘Boys Planet 2’, four original songs were revealed for the semi-final mission. Among them? A PLAVE-produced track titled ‘MAIN DISH’—a pop-rock fueled anthem with the kind of explosive chorus that practically yells, “We’re here to win.”
‘MAIN DISH’: Not Just a Bop, But a Statement
Crafted entirely by the PLAVE members themselves—from lyrics to composition to choreography—’MAIN DISH’ is built around an old-school-meets-rock soundscape. PLAVE even went the extra mile, showing up in a pre-recorded video to introduce the track, much to the awe of the contestants.
Fan-favorite quote: “We’ve prepared a self-written and composed song as a gift,” one member said in the emotionally charged clip, stirring excitement across the room. Trainees immediately reacted with comments like, “Songs by PLAVE are always hits.” Manifest it, folks.
Idol Producers Who Know Their Angles—Literally
PLAVE didn’t just hand over a song and leave. In a video call with the trainees, they gave real-time dance tips. One particularly colorful critique? “Use your hand like this… Think of it like licking sauce off a knife after finishing your meal—that’s the vibe.” Only PLAVE could turn post-meal gestures into sex appeal choreography.
The group also watched the contestants rehearse and offered feedback with the confidence of veteran producers: “We love your ideas—let’s revisit them when we record.” And when one trainee nervously questioned their chances to meet again, PLAVE reassured, “We’ll see you for sure. We remember everyone.” Spoken like true K-pop fairy godparents.
From Virtual Rookie to Real-World Tour
PLAVE is currently sweeping Asia with their first-ever regional tour, ‘DASH: Quantum Leap’. Not only is the tour a testament to their growing fanbase, but it’s also positioning this pixel-perfect group as real-deal players in the music industry—blurring lines between the metaverse and main stage.
Their stint as producers further cements their place in the Hallyu pantheon. It’s not just a gimmick anymore—PLAVE is shaping up to be both disruptors and innovators in South Korea’s entertainment ecosystem.
The Future of Idol-Made Music?
With ‘MAIN DISH’ set to be a pivotal part of upcoming episodes, fans have a lot to look forward to. The group’s hands-on approach—whether selecting trainees, shaping choreography, or tweaking vocals—signals a new wave of idol participation in production. Think: BTS-level producer skills meets next-gen avatars.
- Historic First: PLAVE is the first virtual K-pop idol group to serve as music producers on a survival show.
- Asia Tour: Currently touring with ‘DASH: Quantum Leap’, connecting with real-life fans offline and online.
- Full Creative Control: Wrote, composed, choreographed ‘MAIN DISH’ for a live TV broadcast.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of PLAVE producing a track for ‘Boys Planet 2’?
A: It’s the first time a fully virtual idol group has created an original performance for a K-pop survival show. That includes not just writing the lyrics and music, but also directing performance details and even giving trainee feedback.
Q: Are the members of PLAVE real people?
A: PLAVE is a virtual group composed of AI-generated avatars, but each member is voiced and choreographed by real professionals behind the scenes. They bridge a unique space between digital artistry and human creativity.
Q: Where can fans see PLAVE perform?
A: Beyond ‘Boys Planet 2’, PLAVE is currently on their first Asia tour titled ‘DASH: Quantum Leap’, with performances combining digital avatars and live interaction.
The Verdict? PLAVE Isn’t Just Playing—They’re Rewriting K-pop Rules
In what used to be a world dominated by traditional idol training, PLAVE is swiping in a whole new era—one where digitized performers can shake up survival shows, top charts, and still have time to critique your knife-licking game. And judging by the reaction to MAIN DISH, this might just be the course fans didn’t know they were hungry for.
