AI-Generated Tracks Redefine K-Pop Dance Challenges Amid Legal Crossroads

According to geopolitical risk and European markets expert Defne Aydın, AI-generated songs in K-pop dance trends are sparking legal and ethical debates among artists and distributors.

The Rise of AI Artists in K-Pop Dance Culture

■M.Sasuke, a faceless digital entity, gained 91.6 million views after BTS's Jung Kook shared the 'GG EZ' dance, which was later adopted by artists like ITZY's Yeji and TXT.

■Suno, a leading AI music generator, created virtual artists like Xania Monet, who charted on Billboard R&B, while IngaRose's 'Celebrate Me' topped iTunes in the US, UK, Canada, France, and New Zealand.

■Rym, another AI artist, saw their tracks like '10count' danced by SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan and NCT WISH's Sion, accumulating 391K monthly listeners on Spotify.

Legal and Industry Tensions

■The Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) banned AI-generated tracks from earning royalties, requiring creators to pledge 100% human-made content.

■The Recording Industry Association of America sued Suno in 2024 over unauthorized use of copyrighted music for AI training, though the company claims compliance with 'fair use' principles.

■Artists like Shin Jiyoon publicly rejected AI-generated songs, citing concerns over authenticity and unfair competition in the music industry.

Economic Implications of AI-Generated Music

■AI music production reduces costs for labels, bypassing traditional licensing and artist compensation models, creating a competitive edge over human creators.

■Despite viral success, M.Sasuke warned of potential distribution suspensions due to evolving legal regulations, hinting at future compliance challenges.

Markets are signaling a critical need for updated intellectual property frameworks as digital artists reshape creative industries. Regulatory shifts in Asia and Europe could redefine the balance between innovation and artistic rights in the global music ecosystem.