A first edition that proves virtual and real idol worlds can coexist on one stage

I attended MBC’s Virtual Live Festival with Coupang Play, a gathering that brought together virtual idols and K-pop stars and their fanbases in one place. There was a palpable sense of anticipation about which artists would perform, how the stages would be designed, and how fans would react. On the first day, the 18th, the show delivered. It was a rare opportunity to see established virtual acts like Irize and PlanBe alongside newcomers Brayze, and to experience debuts from Anthem, Usphere, Nexji, Isna, Ryze, and Xdinary Heroes. The reimagined virtual artist KAO, born from Yoon Do-hyun, added another layer of interest.

Having three MCs without a virtual host stood out, but for a first-time festival, the production was solid and more than satisfactory. As a longtime viewer of MBC’s consistent engagement with virtual talent, I left with a sense of gratitude toward a network that continues to nurture the virtual scene.

The virtual-idol performances felt distinct from typical K-pop stages. Fans who are usually quick to pull out their phones to film during artist showcases tended to focus on the moment, checking photos or stepping out for a restroom break during the virtual acts. When Isekai Idol took the stage, some attendees even left early.

Yet this isn’t simply a matter of virtual idols versus K-pop in a competition. Rivalries exist within the K-pop fandoms themselves, as I witnessed during some lively exchanges between different male idol fandoms.

MBC’s Virtual Live Festival isn’t a one-off event. Across future performances, virtual and K-pop artists will increasingly share the stage. I hope to see a culture emerge that allows fans to enjoy performances even from artists they don’t personally support, cultivating a broader appreciation for the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment.