The topic of AI is a touchy one, especially when it comes to artistry such as the K-Pop industry. It has become increasingly common for fans to make AI versions of K-Pop songs so that they sound like they’re sung by different artists, which some people enjoy and others despise. It’s a huge discussion to debate in terms of moral and ethical implications, but the general consensus towards the use of AI to create fake “covers” seems to trend more towards the negative side than otherwise.
However, when a K-Pop artist themselves promotes an AI cover, how are their fans supposed to react if they don’t support such things?
Taemin (SHINee) | BPM Entertainment
That’s the situation that many fans of SHINee‘s Taemin have found themselves in currently. Recently on fan app Bubble, Taemin sent a message to his followers recommending a song for them to listen to. However, it turned out to be an AI cover created by a fan to make it sound like the SHINee maknae covered Taeyeon‘s “All About You”.
Thank you for lighting up the world with your art
Song recommended by TAEMIN #TAEMIN #태민 #BPM #BigPlanetMade #SHINeehttps://t.co/G7Nutso5Xc
— TAEMINMUSIC (@taeminmusic718) April 6, 2024
It’s unclear at this point whether or not Taeyeon herself has heard about the cover, but the song has been getting a lot of attention on YouTube since Taemin shared it.
But it has drawn quite a bit of criticism from some netizens. The most common word being used on this side of the debate seems to be “disappointed”, as fans wonder why an artist such as Taemin could promote the use of AI when it threatens the careers of tons of artists on a global scale.
taemin AI covers are bad and we shouldn’t encourage nor spread them….
— choi minho #1 lover (@choimnhoe) April 6, 2024
i love taemin but bro be serious… recommending an ai cover??? of your own voice???
— fanni (@aquapearll) April 6, 2024
But not everyone is so critical. On the other side of the debate, fans are arguing that as long as Taemin himself doesn’t have an issue with his voice being used for this cover, then there isn’t a problem with it. And some people just don’t seem to have a problem with AI covers to begin with.
Also there are many fans who made AI covers of their idols with Taemins Guilty and Shawols don’t get angry at all.
It’s totally right be disagree but… If Taemin likes IA covers people should respect that. After all, he didn’t even make that video, was a fan. https://t.co/g9e6JgofOZ pic.twitter.com/tN8wMOxyj9
— SHINee (@Shinee_____Five) April 6, 2024
If taemin stop sharing stuff with us again. Don’t come crying fr. Y’all are annoying. I know AI covers are shit but there is no need to attack him.
— Merry Jjongpril 🩷 (@poetjjongie) April 6, 2024
I always listen to this AI cover channel, they did #taemin AI cover so well!!! and the one Taemin picked is my favourite #태민버블
— Kitaminkit (@Kitaminkit) April 6, 2024
Where do you stand on this debate?
