[TF Focus] PLAVE, Outside the Solid Fortress

The expanded possibilities proven by the mini-album 'HYPERDRIVE'The first world tour as a test for expanding global reachPLAVE not only repeatedly surpasses the 1 million initial sales mark, a symbolic indicator of top-tier idols, but also breaks its own record with each release. Now, with its first world tour as a starting point, it's heading towards a wider audience. /Blast[THE FACT | Reporter Jung Byung-geun] When discussing the potential of virtual idols, the name that immediately comes to mind is undoubtedly PLAVE. While limitations were initially cited at the intersection of reality and virtuality during their debut, they are now breaking down those boundaries and evoking greater possibilities. And finally, they are stepping out of their solidly built fortress to head towards a broader horizon.PLAVE (YEJUN NOAH BAMBY EUNHO HAMIN) recorded over 1.32 million initial sales (within the first week of release) for their fifth mini-album 'HYPERDRIVE,' released on the 13th of last month. This surpasses the over 1.25 million sales recorded by their fourth mini-album 'Caligo Pt.2' in April. They are not only repeatedly surpassing the 1 million initial sales, a symbolic indicator of top-tier idols, but also breaking their own records with each release.As always, they continued their strong performance in digital music as well. Immediately after the digital release on the 12th, their title track 'Star Trace' and all other B-side tracks occupied the top 5 spots on major domestic music charts like Melon, a phenomenon known as 'chart lining.' This is a different trend from the general pattern in the boy group market, where digital performance is relatively weaker compared to album sales.The achievements of PLAVE were not made overnight. Debuting in March 2023, they started with the unfamiliar format of virtual reality in the existing K-pop market. In the early stages, curiosity about the characters took precedence, and there were considerable doubts about their activity methods and sustainability. However, by focusing on the essence of idols—music and communication—they gradually broke down prejudices.The greatest strength has been the bond built with their fandom, PLLI. PLAVE overcame the limitations of virtuality, such as restricted physical contact or face-to-face interactions, by increasing the density of communication. Through regular live broadcasts, they shared their daily lives and thoughts, forming relationships with fans by laughing and joking together.What's noteworthy is that at the center of this communication is not technology, but people. PLAVE are not perfect virtual characters created by artificial intelligence (AI). Behind the characters are real artists who sing, dance, and create. They directly participate in lyric writing, composing, and choreography, adding warmth. This is the core driving force behind their fandom's growth.Fans are not just consuming the finished product; they are watching the process of music creation and artist growth together. PLAVE's music incorporates the members' thoughts, experiences, and stories shared with fans. The time accumulated in this way has led to a solid fandom, forming a virtuous cycle that generates greater reactions with each new music release.With a solid foundation built on high-level technology, production costs, the members' musical capabilities, and long-term trust with their fandom, PLAVE has now stood at a new starting line to expand their reach. /BlastThis 'HYPERDRIVE' is a continuation of that growth and a starting point for new musical expansion. While the previous album 'Caligo Pt.2' concluded a chapter of their existing worldview through powerful sound and narrative, this album traverses a more diverse range of genres, unfolding the next world that PLAVE will head towards.The title track 'Star Trace' is an EDM-based dance-pop song, a first for PLAVE. The lyrics, which sing of cosmic love and trust, contain the meaning of connection linking PLAVE and their fans. In addition, five songs, including the bossa nova rhythm track 'Kkun,' the acoustic guitar-centric rock track 'Blue Sky, Sweet Rain,' and the emotional R&B pop track 'Rewind,' are imbued with different musical colors.Notably, 'Rewind' is the first song PLAVE has collaborated on with an external composer, featuring contributions from Kenzie and KZLAB. This is a meaningful endeavor as it signifies their willingness to embrace new external sensibilities based on the musical identity they have established through self-production. It is another way of growth, expanding their creative scope while maintaining their unique color.The domain that PLAVE, who has grown through music and fandom, is now actively seeking to expand into is the global performance market. Their first world tour 'KEEP IT MANIC,' which began on September 12-13 at the main stadium of the Incheon Munhak Stadium, will continue through Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore, before heading to Macau on the 31st and Pasadena, near Los Angeles, USA, on November 14th.The significance of this tour lies not merely in the increased number of performance locations. Offline performances have been considered the biggest challenge for virtual idols to overcome. This is because it differs from traditional performances where artists physically stand on stage, make eye contact with the audience, and breathe together. Nevertheless, PLAVE has been narrowing that gap by advancing their performance technology and production.Thus, PLAVE has expanded their scope of activities from last year's Asian tour and Gocheok Sky Dome performance to stadium-sized concerts and their first world tour this year.Of course, performances via screen do not completely eliminate the constraints of physical encounters. However, PLAVE's performances demonstrate that there doesn't have to be only one way to create a sense of presence for the artist. While the virtual characters are in front of your eyes, the experience of the audience cheering for the songs and sharing emotions is real.The ability to realize that experience vividly and deliver it to fans around the world will be a crucial factor in determining PLAVE's next growth potential. Their first world tour is that test. With a solid foundation built on high-level technology, production costs, the members' musical capabilities, and long-term trust with their fandom, PLAVE has now stood at a new starting line to expand their reach.Initially, I was curious about how far virtual idols could go. Now, I am excited to see how far PLAVE can expand the realm of K-pop, beyond just being virtual. The repeated career highs and the first world tour are part of the process of finding answers to those curiosities and expectations. What is clear is that PLAVE's potential no longer remains in the virtual realm.kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]