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| Singer Im Chan-mi played the avatar named Dohwa in the virtual music survival show "GIRL'S RE:VERSE." Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment |
By Lee Gyu-lee
Singer Im Chan-mi, better known as Chanmi of the K-pop girl group AOA, said that competing on Kakao Entertainment's music survival show "GIRL'S RE:VERSE" allowed her to explore her voice.
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| Singer Im Chan-mi / Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment |
The contestants hide their real-life identities and perform wearing VR headsets and controllers in separate spaces to show off their performance skills and talents through their virtual avatars. Among those, only the top finalists make their debut as a new K-pop group in the virtual world.
Im played the avatar named Dohwa. During the preliminary round, in which the contestants had a one-on-one competition, the singer failed to make it to the next round.
"When I was doing group activities with fellow members, it was important to find what suits all of us. The focus was more on what we all do best. But in the virtual world, my priority was whatever I wanted to do, and what I do the best," the singer said during an interview with The Korea Times via video chat, on Jan. 19.
"Because there was a freedom in creating the visuals (of the performance), I created the character I like and put emphasis on the elements I prefer when making a performance."
The show runs on a rather unfamiliar concept, incorporating high-end technology with K-pop. Im expressed that she felt starring in this show would be a refreshing experience in her 12-year music career.
"I tend to value doing something new. Because it's been a while since I debuted, I've gotten dull when it comes to new formats or activities. And I felt that a virtual debut could be a new motivation," she said. "It's not that I'm leaving behind the career I've had until now, but I felt like I can add on this new experience (onto my career) so I gladly joined the show."
The singer said she felt a great deal of responsibility during the show. "There was a sense of responsibility in the performance. I solely designed the stage, so I have total responsibility," she said, adding that she also felt a lot of love among the contestants throughout the competition.
She added that the show allowed her to think back on the prejudice and bias that exists in the industry.
"It is true that if the singers belong to a big entertainment agency, they tend to get more of the spotlight. And I've also had the privilege in that sense. But I feel now the world recognizes those who have the charm and talents, regardless of the agency," she said.
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