AI's Impact on K-pop: A Study Uncovers Financial Woes for Artists

A new study by musicMagpie has opened our eyes to the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the music world, especially regarding its impact on K-pop artists. Titled "Bop or Bot?", the study analyzed nearly 1,500 AI-generated covers and songs, revealing startling statistics about streaming numbers and financial fallout.

AI's Focus on K-pop

K-pop seems to be one of the hardest-hit genres, with a shocking 35% of the most-streamed AI-generated sounds being linked to popular K-pop artists. The group taking the biggest hit is none other than BLACKPINK, who have racked up over 17.3 million views on these AI covers. Tracks such as "Batter Up" and "SHEESH" have drawn in millions of views, leading to a significant negative impact on the girls’ earnings. Other popular K-pop stars like Jimin, Jennie, and Stray Kids have also been affected, each seeing over half a million streams from unauthorized AI renditions, which has led to substantial revenue loss for them. Alarmingly, BLACKPINK alone is estimated to have lost approximately £376,184.85 (around 418,000 USD) due to these AI-generated versions of their hits.

Financial Toll on Artists

The financial implications for K-pop artists due to AI-generated music are profound. The study estimates a staggering total revenue loss of over £10.7 million (around 11.9 million USD) for artists globally, stemming from these unauthorized AI creations. Groups like BLACKPINK, BabyMonster, and other K-pop sensations such as Stray Kids, Jennie, Jungkook, and TWICE find themselves grappling with lost earnings,