The long-awaited debut of MADE IN — a new group of seven girls under 143 Entertainment —quickly became the subject of controversy due to the use of generative artificial intelligence in their debut music video.
Fans were eagerly awaiting the release of their first EP Next time (상승), especially because two of the members — Mashiro AND YES — are former members of the popular group Kep1er.
Their decision not to renew their contracts with WAKE UP ONE and joining MADEIN had significantly increased expectations for the group’s debut.
Former Kep1er members Yeseo and Mashiro will re-debut in new girl group MADEIN
However, the excitement turned to disappointment shortly after the release of the music video for their lead track, “UNO.” Viewers quickly noticed that several scenes in the video featured AI-generated images of the members in various settings rather than actual footage.
a collection of AI scenes used in Madein Uno’s music video. I wasn’t sure about the blooming flowers because they might just be stock footage, but I put it in anyway :/ photo.twitter.com/TqAMC45Zwt
— chæda apologist FUKO DEBUT (@fukop1ian) September 3, 2024
This creative decision sparked outrage from fans, who felt that it not only diminished the quality of the production, but was also disrespectful to the members themselves by replacing them with “lifeless” computer-generated versions.
It’s not just the AI that makes me angry, it’s the deletion of MADEIN members: those are NOT the girls, those are AI generated images that have no soul. It’s disrespectful to literally everyone
— coni ¹ ✧ KEP1ER SHOOTING STAR OUT NOW (@shirosflower) September 3, 2024
Fans have expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing 143 Entertainment for choosing to use artificial intelligence instead of traditional CGI or other visual effects. Many have argued that the use of AI imagery has taken away the personal connection that K-Pop groups are known for and undermined the hard work and authenticity that fans expect from their idols.
made us wait another 2 hours for the mv only to be made using AI instead of real CGI artists… fuck you @GTMNY143 it’s so disappointing that you did this on Madein’s debut photo.twitter.com/PyJOR3q2e9
— maddie (@chae1vly) September 3, 2024
the video madein… those girls are working so hard but the company wants to save money with AI?? what happened to the production value of Limelight?? 143 seriously thinks that adding yeshiro means they don’t have to work anymore??
— summer 🧸 (@byu11lie) September 3, 2024
The backlash was so strong that fans started a boycott, demanding the company remove the AI-generated scenes and release a new version of the music video.
We will DEMAND @GTMNY143 @MADEIN_U to delete the MV of ‘UNO’ and release a completely AI-free version. As fans, we feel extremely disappointed to see the MV filled with AI images and sequences. We will not broadcast the video unless @GTMNY143 steps in and deletes ALL AI scenes.
— 🌟🏹⚡️📞 (@passiontopia) September 3, 2024
one of madein mv second chorus without the ugly generative artificial intelligence photo.twitter.com/QAK13DRt3a
— 📁 (@fusesodas) September 3, 2024
While the use of artificial intelligence in K-Pop music videos and promotional content is not entirely new, it remains a sensitive issue.
K-Pop’s appeal lies in its high production values and the personal connection between idols and their fans. For many, the inclusion of AI disrupts that connection and raises concerns about the potential for stolen or unoriginal artwork.
Fans Are Upset Over SM Entertainment’s Obsession With Using Artificial Intelligence in Music Videos
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how 143 Entertainment will respond to the growing demands of MADEIN’s fanbase.
Share this post
