“Give Him A Wig”: Aespa’s AI Naevis Goes Viral For Her Uncanny Resemblance To NCT’s Doyoung

They look identical to fans.
News
Koreaboo

SM Entertainment girl group æspa “fifth member” Nævis is making her debut.

æspa with Nævis | SM Entertainment
æspa with Nævis | SM Entertainment

The group’s lore has long been intertwined with the Metaverse, with each member having their own computer-generated æ-aespa counterparts.

aespa’s Karina and her counterpart. | @aespa_official/X
aespa’s Karina and her counterpart. | @aespa_official/X

Nævis (also known as NAVIS or Naevis) is another AI (Artificial Intelligence) in aespa’s universe. She is responsible for helping the group and their avatars coexist as they fight the fictional Black Mamba villain.

Nævis
Nævis | aespa/YouTube

On January 25, 2023, SM Entertainment announced that Nævis would make her official stage debut in March of that year. SM Entertainment’s CEO Lee Sung Soo (also known as Chris Lee) revealed the company’s plans to present her as an “AI artist.”

At the time, Nævis’ voice was reported to have been created through the analysis of twelve different voice actors. Her official debut stage was reported to happen at the international music festival SXSW (also known as South By South West), with a VR concert featuring the four members and Nævis.

Naevis, who had only appeared so far as a CG image in aespa’s music videos, is in plans to be shown as an AI artist. She will be an artist born by mobilizing skills for natural movements, newly created voice, and real time communication.

— SM Entertainment CEO Lee Sung Soo

allkpop_1674697414_20230125-naevis

Despite these reports, the festival occurred, but Nævis did not make her debut there. Fans had wondered if SM Entertainment scrapped the idea of Nævis’ solo debut.

Did SM Entertainment just forget about Naevis’s debut?
byu/grumio123 inkpopthoughts

Comment
byu/grumio123 from discussion
inkpopthoughts

Comment
byu/grumio123 from discussion
inkpopthoughts

 

Yet, Nævis has officially made her debut on September 10 with the single “Done.” SM Entertainment reportedly utilized the power of AI-generated content and a voice crafted using advanced AI techniques to make her debut happen.

NaevisaespaDone
| SM Entertainment

Ahead of her debut, SM Entertainment launched social media channels for Nævis and dropped a set of concept photos for the debut single, “Done.” It showcased the AI idol’s stunning visuals with the backdrop of her virtual world.

GWIpgJvWAAAjXg_
| @naevisSMTOWN/X
GWIpgJYasAMGk5A
| @naevisSMTOWN/X
GWIpgJZasAEymR-
| @naevisSMTOWN/X

Many netizens reacted to her debut appearance. Some said she appears to be a mix of the æspa members’ visuals. Some even see a resemblance to Red Velvet‘s Wendy.

Screenshot_20240829_144659_Instagram

Screenshot_20240829_144731_Instagram

Screenshot_20240829_144620_Instagram

Screenshot_20240829_144632_Instagram

Now, after the release of the “Done” MV, Nævis is being compared to yet another SM Entertainment idol.

Since Nævis made her debut, netizens have noticed a resemblance to NCT‘s Doyoung. Some joked that she looks like him with a wig.

Many netizens are wondering if Doyoung was used as the blueprint or character reference when designing Nævis. Fans hope they’re running him his check.

On the other hand, some netizens are finding issues with the AI idol’s debut. Read more below.

Aespa’s AI Naevis Triggers Divided Reactions With Her Upcoming Solo Debut

Next Page
Scroll to top