Underage performers face new risks as former SM Entertainment head Lee Soo Man launched twin groups A2O Soul and A2O Lite under A2O Entertainment on October 12, KST, while an accompanying AI phone call service at their debut showcase sparked heavy online backlash over the handling of underage idols.
The return of veteran entertainment figure Lee Soo Man to the K-Pop industry brought an immediate wave of controversy following the debut of A2O Entertainment. The company introduced its twin acts—boy group A2O Soul and girl group A2O Lite—on October 12, KST. A technology-driven feature introduced alongside the launch ignited sharp criticism across social media.
KINTEX Debut Showcase Unveils Controversial Digital Avatars
An interactive feature allows fans to communicate with artificial intelligence versions of the groups’ members through voice and video connections.
The system made its public appearance at the debut showcase titled Welcome to Soulite From A2O Soul A2O Lite,
held at KINTEX. According to reports, the feature gave supporters the chance to converse with the young performers in a manner resembling a standard phone call, though the replies came entirely from artificial intelligence. To power this system, the physical appearances and voices of every A2O idol were integrated into AI software to generate digital avatars.
Hands-On Demonstrations Expose Deep Fakes of Young Performers
During the event, media personnel tested the technology firsthand. The setup permitted users to converse with young performers as if participating in a standard telephone call, though every response was generated by artificial intelligence. To build the platform, the voices and likenesses of all A2O idols were captured and fed into AI programs to construct digital avatars.
An idol phone call, powered by AI? 📱KpopHerald tried it at A2O’s debut showcase!The service lets fans interact with AI versions of idols through voice and video calls. Here’s a look at our hands-on experience at “Welcome to Soulite From A2O Soul A2O Lite,” held at KINTEX in… pic.twitter.com/Isa81VXT87
Netizens Blast A2O Entertainment Over Minor Exploitation
Fresh off introducing two new acts through his enterprise A2O Entertainment, Lee Soo Man finds himself embroiled in another scandal regarding the alleged mistreatment of his idols. The demonstration prompted immediate concern among observers who described the digital replica service as deeply unsettling. Netizens are calling it creepy.
Ethical Questions Mount Over AI and Underage Talent Management
Social media reactions highlighted widespread discomfort regarding the use of minor artists’ identities in simulated conversations on October 12, KST.