If you’ve always pondered on what it takes for yourself to become an influencer or heck, a micro-influencer on social media, look out as the criteria just got a whole lot weirder–
On 15 February it was revealed that a virtual influencer, Han Yoo Ah, was signed an exclusive contract with YG KPlus, a model management company that is a subsidiary of YG entertainment.
Who or What Is Han Yoo Ah?
View this post on Instagram
The virtual reality influencer first made her appearance in a VR video game titled Focus On You. The game was developed by the South Korean video developer company, Smilegate.
Virtual influencers are defined as a “virtual persona or virtual model” generated by computers “that can be used for a variety of marketing-related purposes”.
The pretty virtual character was then formally transformed into a digital human when Smilegate’s collaborated with Giantstep – the famous creative technology company that was the mastermind behind the avatars created for SM Entertainment’s girl group, aespa.
Netizens have given mixed reactions to Han Yoo Ah’s signing to YG KPlus. Some have been enthusiastic as they peppered Han’s Instagram announcement post with ‘Welcome to the YG Family’ comments while others thought that getting a virtual influencer on board was ‘just weird’ and ‘strange’.
Join our Telegram channel for more entertaining and informative articles at https://t.me/goodyfeedsg or download the Goody Feed app here: https://goodyfeed.com/app/
Not the First Virtual Reality Star On the Internet
You’d be surprised to hear that Han’s not the first virtual reality star out there.
There’s already one based in Singapore who goes by the name Rae – a forever 25-year-old who loves creating digital art and enjoys showcasing her digital artworks on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Another popular virtual influencer who goes by the name Rozy was, well, influential enough to be featured in Vogue Korea.
Brands have gone on board to use virtual influencers as another channel for marketing as they feel like they are “versatile and can meet the needs of brands”. A bonus also includes that these influencers potentially remain drama-free in comparison to their human counterparts as there’s no prior history or messy controversies to handle if you are managing them.
The Future for Han Yoo Ah at YG KPlus
According to alleged reports, YG KPlus may appear in different areas of the entertainment industry which includes advertising. Broadcasting, and even music.
Getting Han on board was also seen as a representation of companies making their move to explore the concept of the metaverse which had been making its way into the present K-pop scene (again, think of SM Entertainment girl group, aespa, and their 3D avatar counterparts).
One thing’s for sure – we can’t wait to see how Han would do in her collaboration with BLACKPINK in the future.
Read Also:
- Wah!Banana Influencer Called Out Netizens Who Made Fun of Her ‘Flat Chest’
- Police Investigating Viral Video of 2 Men Fighting in a Store Along Beach Road
- Man Accused of Chaining Wife With Mental Illness Has been Arrested
- Fireball in JB That Could be Seen In S’pore Was Due to an Explosion in a JB Factory
- Everything About Putin’s Announcement of Military Operation in Ukraine in 60 Seconds
Featured Image: Instagram (@_hanyua)
