Rozy, Korea's First Virtual Influencer Isn't Human but Humane

The computer-generated model intends to reduce environmental pollution and seeks to have a positive impact on people

- DEBASHREE DUTTA

Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee myself doing a virtual influencer interview. Yes, a virtual influencer, by the way. It took me a while to process this, especially after seeing Rozy’s Instagram account. Rozy is Korea’s first virtual influencer. Although Lu Do Magalu, Lil Miquela, Knox Frost, Thalasya, and Imma are some of the very popular virtual influencers I was already aware of, Rozy's inexplicable likeness to a human being left me mystified, to say the least.

If you haven't been living under a rock, you know that virtual influencers and virtual idols are intrinsically equivalent and have achieved sustained success. Besides, technological advancements have also enabled creators to customize the traits and behavior of virtual idols through the use of artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies.

In a question-and-answer session with KOREAZ, Baik Seun-gyup, CEO of Sidus Studio X, observed that Rozy, his brainchild, “is a representative character of the MZ generation.” “We studied the faces of popular celebrities liked by the MZ generation, and we found that this generation prefers natural faces.” Additionally, he noted, “In Rozy's case, we created over 800 faces, making her face not only more realistic but also more detailed compared to other virtual characters.”

If the COVID-19 pandemic and our unrelenting struggle against an elusive but deadly virus restored my faith in any other virus breakout like a zombie apocalypse, the metaverse centered on social engagement with entities like Rozy has secured my belief in humanoid robots like Aji 3 from I'm Not a Robot or the android Nam Shin III from Are You Human?