South Korean Startup Galaxy Uses AI and Robots to Restructure K-pop Idol System, Aiming to Disrupt Traditional Model

South Korean startup Galaxy is using AI and robots to restructure the K-pop industry, aiming to disrupt the traditional idol system that relies on real talent selection, training, and long-term management. The company proposes a new path combining AI characters and life-sized robot idols, targeting to eliminate reliance on real performers. Founder Choi Yong-ho says he hopes to use AI for the entire content production process, especially to show the model's impact when combined with G-Dragon's IP.

Founded in 2019, Galaxy has raised about $150 million and plans to list in both New York and Seoul in 2027. It collaborates with Unitree Robotics on robot systems and London's "ABBA Voyage" team to replicate the virtual concert model (expected to launch in late 2027, accommodating 3000 people). A four-member virtual girl group will be launched in the second half of this year, with AI tools reducing MV production costs by 90% to 99%. The long-term goal is to fully automate virtual idols and build a cyclic system between real and virtual characters.