The K-pop impersonator phenomenon is on the rise, with lookalikes, deepfake technology and AI-generated clones blurring the lines between admiration and violation. These activities are threatening the identities of artists and raising concerns about intellectual property (IP) theft in the entertainment industry.
Controversy over rosé lookalikes in China
At a recent official event of the Blackpink Rosé pop-up store in Chengdu, China, influencer Daisy who resembles Rosé was invited, sparking controversy. Although Rosé was the star of the event, the host introduced Daisy as if she were the main attraction.
Daisy took photos with fans and even held an impromptu autograph session. Critics have pointed this out as “free riding on the artist’s image”, causing confusion and discomfort among participants. Daisy said she was simply invited to the mall without any financial incentive, but skepticism remained.
Copycat K-Pop groups
Entire K-pop groups have also been imitated for commercial purposes. In 2022, the Chinese group ESO was criticized for copying the name and style of the EXO team. The members have even adopted names that resemble EXO members, such as Luha for Luhan and Huang Ziqing for Huang Zitao, subtly modifying their original names.
Despite negative public reaction, individual imitation has continued, prompting the real Luhan to speak out during a live broadcast last year, questioning the authenticity of fans who encountered his impersonators.
“Digital Doppelgängers” generated by artificial intelligence
AI technology has enabled the creation of digital clones, such as a Chinese woman who replicated singer IU’s facial features to operate as a beauty creator on platforms such as TikTok and Douyin. Known as “Chaiyu” (China + IU), the AI-generated character fooled followers until filters revealed the artificial face, drawing public criticism.
Hollywood doppelgängers and the abuse of intellectual property
Hollywood stars face similar problems. American TikTok star Paige Niemann has become Ariana Grande’s doppelgänger, amassing over 10 million followers. Niemann went beyond cosplay, imitating character lines and style from Grande’s past movieand even monetized her likeness on OnlyFans. Fans have criticized him for exploiting an artist’s image for profit, crossing the line between admiration and violation.
While lookalikes and parodies were once harmless activities for fans, modern imitation often exploits an artist’s image for commercial gain. This not only confuses the public, but also violates the intellectual property rights of K-pop artists, threatening their brand and livelihood.
As the entertainment industry grows, these cases highlight the urgent need for stronger protection against K-pop impersonators and AI clones.
Sources: Tenasia
