The Seoul Story had the opportunity to speak to SUPERKIND, the human-AI idol group, in conjunction with the release of their mini album, Profiles of the Future (Λ) : 70%. Human members DAEMON, EUGENE, GEON, SiO, and JDV excitedly spilled their thoughts on topics like working with their AI counterparts SAEJIN and SEUNG, pioneering the A-Idol concept, and more!
Q: SUPERKIND is pioneering a new type of K-Pop group by marrying the human and AI concepts together to form a co-existing group. What do each of the human members think is the biggest advantage and disadvantage to having this mix of AI and humans within one group?
DAEMON: I think the disadvantage is that we cannot be together all the time because of the technical issues. We want to do our schedules with NUKE members but we have to try it out, for example, on the stage or interviews, fan meet-ups. We are trying to gather and involve NUKE members in real life. And also, we want to be involved in their dimensions as well. I think this is the disadvantage. And for the advantage, PRID members and NUKE members have different possibilities and abilities so we can cooperate and make a good team by accentuating the strengths and covering the weaknesses of each other.
Q: While your AI concept is unique, it’s certainly not your only standout quality. What do you think makes SUPERKIND different from other groups, or what do you hope for SUPERKIND to be known and remembered for, aside from having AI members?
SiO: Our commitment to continually challenging ourselves with new music and diverse genres asks for increased communication among the members and greater interaction with our fans, Players. Each of us possesses unique strengths, and our individual musical preferences may differ, but we aim to be recognized as a group unafraid to explore diverse musical styles and genres without limitations. Likewise, our future endeavors will remain unrestricted, and our goal is to establish ourselves as artists who boldly explore various musical realms.
Q: When you joined the group, did you know straight away what the concept would be? Did you have any doubts?
DAEMON: Before we debuted, we already knew that we were going to be a part of an AI idol group and that we were going to collaborate with AI members. For me, I was really into virtual things like animations, and I’m also a big fan of Gorillaz which is a virtual band so I’m very familiar with the concept. I really wanted to try those things and I was so excited about the fact that I will debut as an AI idol group. So the answer is that I was very excited, and I’m glad to be part of this special team.
Q: With the 2Dx3D concept, how do the members adapt? Are there any struggles with the out-of-the-box concept?
DAEMON: I think the most challenging aspect for me, as well as other members, was to thoroughly comprehend the concept as it is crucial to effectively convey it to the general public and our fans. To achieve this, we engaged in activities such as watching movies like The Matrix and discussing them afterward. I also communicated with the company to delve into the concept, and we would further discuss this among the members. This approach helped us fully grasp the concept and improve our delivery of the concept to the audience.
Q: You are a one-of-a-kind group made up of AI’s and Humans. When filming and recording, what has the process been like?
SiO: Although we have released music in the past, this is our first album with all seven members, so I think all of us were very excited about it, but at the same time, we felt a bit burdened. With seven members, we can create a richer sound and showcase various compositions and performances on stage. So, we really thought about how to present a stage to the general public that they would enjoy with both NUKE and PRID members. With the help of technology, we were able to realize scenes where both NUKE and PRID members could stand together to perform, as well as scenes where we interacted with each other.
Q: How do you maintain a sense of unity within the group when you have such a unique combination of members?
DAEMON: As the leader of the group, I can say that our members are very unique and each of us has great abilities. The main thing is that we are not trying to synchronize perfectly but we are trying to bring out the chemistry and harmony. We respect our own abilities and try to improve as a team and try to express it better. We are not only focused on synchronizing but we are also trying to cooperate and make a good result as a team.
Q: Your group is a mix of AI and real people, and is new to the scene. What is it like working and having fun with each other?
JDV: I find collaborating with the NUKE members to be extremely fun and fascinating because it opens up opportunities to explore various new and captivating ideas. The NUKE members have the ability to execute performances that may be outside our capabilities. For instance, in a recent performance video with SAEJIN, he attempted the iconic Spider-man move where he drops down from the ceiling. All of these visually captivating elements make this comeback even more enjoyable for me.
Q: What quality would you like to have if you were a NUKE?
EUGENE: One notable characteristic of NUKE members is their freedom when it comes to changing hairstyles, hair colors, and outfits instantly. It is a characteristic that I would want to have if I were a NUKE member.
Q: All three releases by SUPERKIND so far have had very different sounds and concepts. Which sound and concept do the members love the most? What sound and concept would the members like to try next?
DAEMON: For me, I think this Beam me up comeback is my favourite because I’m a big sci-fi fan and I really liked this concept. Also, I really like the sound of the band’s music and pop synthesizers. We combined these genres and sounds into one song that is really my type. In the future, we would like to continue showing a new vibe and continue trying new genres. Also we want to show the deep conflict between AI, virtual reality and humanity. Also, I am a big fan of Blade Runner 2049 so I would like to use it as a reference if possible.
Q: What kind of music does SUPERKIND want to pursue and be known for?
DAEMON: As SUPERKIND, we are trying many different genres of music. We choose genres that suit our concept and the worldviews that we want to show, and I think the main theme and the motto of SUPERKIND’s music is diversity. So I hope SUPERKIND will be known for the diversity and creativity in our musical styles.
Q: You guys have a unique concept in which your fans are able to provide input with regards to your concept and your story. Has there ever been a moment where you were surprised by something they have decided, maybe expecting one choice over another?
SiO: We have extensive interactions with our fans and are open to their opinions and suggestions. During the promotion of the track MOODY, we even played a game with our fans on X (Twitter) and engaged with them in real time. Each time we did this, it felt like our perspectives were aligned with theirs. We would share our thoughts, and then we would eagerly listen to theirs. I wouldn’t say that one party makes decisions alone, but rather, we collaborate, and this mutual exchange leads to satisfying outcomes.
Q: As a group with AI members, how do you prepare for live programs?
SiO: Apart from our performances on music shows, we haven’t made any other live appearances. To have both PRID members and NUKE members perform on the same stage, there’s a need for comprehensive planning and preparation, which can be time-consuming. As a result, one approach we’ve considered is having the NUKE members appear on screens or electronic displays to enable us to perform together.
Q: Your group has been on a remarkable journey since your debut. What are your future goals as a group, and how do you see your music evolving in the coming years?
DAEMON: I think our future goal at the moment is a live stage with NUKE members. We are trying to find out the technology and the skills to perform a live stage with all the members. We are trying many things, many genres, so it will be really fun to create our own genre and style step-by-step in the future. The current goal would be performing live with all the NUKE and PRID members.
Q: As AI artists come into the K-Pop scene, what impact do you think SUPERKIND will have on AI integration within K-Pop groups?
SiO: Our group is the first to use the term “A-Idol,” representing an idol group that includes both AI and human members. I believe this is one of SUPERKIND’s most distinctive features. Many people still perceive AI technology as something distant and unfamiliar. However, with our group incorporating PRID, the human members, it allows us to demonstrate how we interact with NUKE members, the AI members, and convey our thoughts on this integration, showing how we all unite as a group. This helps the general public become more accustomed to the concept of AI. I hope to see more A-Idols in the future and anticipate the concept evolving over time.
Q: What are the challenges working between the real world and the metaverse as a group?
DAEMON: I think the hardest part is that we have to combine the two universes to show that we are actually collaborating and working together. In the aspect of dancing, we have to practice without SAEJIN and SEUNG, the NUKE members, and then join them afterwards which is a confusing way of practicing. But we have worked hard on it. Also, we cannot communicate with the NUKE members in the digital world because we don’t have any digital bodies. But we are trying to solve this problem by making virtual characters for ourselves and going to the digital world to communicate with them. I think the hardest part is communicating and being unable to meet them in real life, but we are trying to solve the problem step-by-step.
Q: What are the things that make you go, “I’m so proud of myself for doing this!” for this comeback?
SiO: Starting with this comeback, we’ve had more opportunities to connect with our fans, Players. During my initial encounter with our fans, I was incredibly nervous and somewhat shy, making it challenging for me to engage in meaningful conversations with them. However, throughout this comeback’s promotional activities, including fan meet-ups and fan sign events, I’ve made significant progress in interacting with our fans, and I feel like I’ve become closer to them. In this respect, I’m proud of the improvements I’ve made in communicating with Players during this comeback.
Q: Beam me up (2Dx3D) is a very cool fuSiOn song with lyrics in Korean, English, and Japanese. Can the members share what the recording process was like and if you faced any challenges with the three languages?
SiO: Since this is our first mini-album with a greater number of tracks, the recording process naturally took longer than usual. Also, because we incorporated various languages, we put a lot of thought into how to infuse the unique characteristics and vibes of each language into our music, striving to make those features come to life in our songs.
Q: You make a reference to Karate Kid in Beam me up. In the movie, the “wax on, wax off” action was a way for the main character to learn something by doing something that seemed unrelated, making the main character feel frustrated along the way. Have you ever had an experience where you felt like you weren’t improving as much as you would like, and what did you do about it?
DAEMON: We have to practice our dancing skills and rapping skills and vocals, and we have to express the unique concept in music so we have to improve a lot, so we practice really hard. “Wax on, wax off” was my lyric and that is a very creative way to learn karate. We tried to find many other ways to improve ourselves. We tried a lot of genres, we tried a lot of dance genres, vocal genres so we can use certain skills anytime that we have to. We’ve been actively exploring various aspects and consistently striving to make improvements so that when the time comes for us to put those skills to use, we’re already well-prepared.
Q: Your new title track, Beam me up (2Dx3D) is a super catchy song. Can we expect more songs like these in the future? Is this the type of style and genre the group wants to pursue?
SiO: We aim to challenge ourselves with different music genres each time. All the tracks we’ve released so far, such as WATCH OUT, MOODY, and Beam me up (2Dx3D), are from different genres. We want to continue exploring new styles in each release. Additionally, we are already preparing for our next album, although I can’t share the details at the moment. We’re working on some fantastic songs, so please look forward to them.
Q: With your recently released new album, what do you want to achieve this time?
EUGENE: Considering that this album marks the first time all seven members are participating, I see it as a new beginning for us. With this comeback, our primary objective is to introduce ourselves to a broader audience, allowing more fans to get to know us. We’ll be highly active, and we’re hopeful for your love and interest in SUPERKIND.
Q: Could you explain more about the storyline between the AI members and human members, and how it connects to the songs in the album?
DAEMON: The music video for this album has a very futuristic theme. Working with NUKE members, the word “futuristic” is a good way to describe it as we challenge the sci-fi genre in the music video. In the music video, NUKE members are the space police and PRID members are space criminals so there is a chase between these two parties. The NUKE members try to make us a part of their team. We leave space, accidentally come to the Earth and then try to escape from NUKE members chasing us. This is the main theme of the music video and we are trying to show more sci-fi genres from now on. So please stay tuned.
Q: Speed (2D) has an anime-inspired sound. If you could choose to be in any anime, which one would you choose and why?
JDV: Ever since I was a child, I loved watching the anime, Crayon Shin-chan. I still love it very much and I even collect related merchandise, like dolls and figures. So if there’s a chance, I would love for SUPERKIND to appear on Crayon Shin-chan and potentially contribute to the creation of the anime’s OST.
Q: Can each member share which song off the album is their favorite and why?
EUGENE: My favorite track is MUGSHOT. The song starts with the lyric, “wherever I go, it becomes the path.” As the first-generation AI idols, I’m fond of this song because it reflects our role in pioneering the way forward.
DAEMON: I once said that my favorite song is MUGSHOT, but I’m changing it today. My favorite song from the album is Speed (2D). As I kept listening to the album, the guitar, the drum, the bass, and the band sounds were so attractive. I am a big fan of band sounds and rock music, so I’ve been listening to this song again and again.
JDV: Like DAEMON mentioned, I also love the song, Speed (2D). I share the same reason; the distinct band sound is incredibly powerful and makes me feel overwhelmed with joy, and it’s the track I find myself listening to the most from the rest of the album.
SiO: I, too, like Speed (2D). As other members mentioned earlier, the band sounds and the rhythmic bass are some elements of the song that I like. Moreover, I’m a big fan of anime, and when you listen to Speed (2D) and pay attention to the lyrics, phrases like “SS Rare” can truly immerse you in the song, and ignite my passion.
Q: What message did you want to deliver to your fans with Profiles of the Future (Λ) : 70%?
SiO: While this album explores a vast universe and the story of 2D and 3D merging, the message we want to convey isn’t overly complex. For instance, in the lyrics of the 2D track, there is a part that mentions me saving you in times of hardship. Similarly, the message is one of hope, reassuring that no matter the difficulties and challenges you encounter, there will always be someone to help you through it. So, don’t be too down and find the strength to keep going.
Q: What was your most memorable moment from the album preparation process?
JDV: During the filming of the music video, there was a scene in which I made an appearance from a trash can. The trash can used for the scene was a real one that had previously contained trash, and I recall the staff members putting in a lot of effort to clean it up despite the hot weather. Thanks to their dedication, I was able to film the scene inside a very clean trash can.
Q: If you had to describe this mini album in 3 words, what would they be and why?
DAEMON: I want to choose the words, “beginning,” “challenge,” and “hope.” I would like to choose those three words because it’s a beginning with all the members. We are trying to collaborate, trying to perform live, and everyone is gathered together so I would like to say it’s the beginning of our theme. Also, it is very challenging because we have tried live performances and a lot of content like meeting fans through videos as well as in person. We have tried a lot of things, so it is a new challenge. Also, the message of hope is very strong in the music. As SiO said, we want to give the message of hope so I’d like to choose those three words.
Q: As the name of the album says, Profiles of the Future (Λ) : 70% has a futuristic and energetic sense of youth. How was the production process? Were you guys directly involved?
DAEMON: We actively contributed to the selection of the b-side track, MUGSHOT, by promoting it on TikTok and recording it. We all took on roles as space criminals and space police in the album’s concept, so we researched futuristic, mischievous facial expressions from various sources online and from magazines to make sure we portrayed the characters well, and this effort was reflected well in the photo album. It was a rewarding process.
Q: If you could play the role of a character in an animation or movie, who would it be and why?
SiO: I’ve watched many movies featuring secret agents on missions before. This album incorporates the concept of Man In Black, where we wear black suits just like secret agents. If the opportunity arises in the future, I would be eager to portray a secret agent character tasked with a crucial mission and hidden powers, much like the ones I’ve seen in movies.
Q: In your new mini album, the sci-fi aesthetic is very present. Do you have a favorite sci-fi movie?
DAEMON: For me, I strongly suggest the movie Blade Runner 2049. That is my favorite sci-fi movie.
Q: Among the members, who is the best at cooking?
JDV: In my case, I typically order food for delivery or dine in at a restaurant. However, before moving to our current dorm, I often saw SiO cooking, so I believe SiO is the most skilled at cooking among our members.
Q: Which member did you click with instantly?
SiO: I’ve known EUGENE for a very long time, dating back to about five years ago when I was in the second grade of middle school. So, when I initially joined this company, it was comforting to have EUGENE there with me, and he really helped me to adapt.
DAEMON: Before debut, I shared my room with EUGENE so I hung out with him a lot. So before debut and also now, I really clicked with EUGENE.
JDV: SiO was the last member of the group I met. In the case of the other members who are all older than me, I had to be a bit more polite, which was somewhat challenging initially. It has certainly improved over time. With SiO, even though we were a bit awkward when we first met, we’re the same age, so I felt more comfortable around him.
EUGENE: They’ve all already said what I wanted to say. I think I felt most comfortable with SiO and DAEMON.
Q: When you were still trainees, did you ever consider the possibility of choosing another career besides becoming idols?
SiO: As mentioned earlier, I enjoy cooking, and I’m a foodie who loves trying different dishes at famous restaurants. I even considered becoming a food blogger when I was a trainee because I enjoy reading and writing about food. If the opportunity arises, I might write food articles and share them with our Players.
EUGENE: Before becoming an idol trainee, I actually studied acting for a couple of years. So if the opportunity arises, I’d love to participate in a drama or movie production, not only as an actor but also as a singer contributing to the soundtrack.
Q: Your new mini album, Profiles of the Future (Λ) : 70% has the concept of mixing the 2D (Japanese language) with the 3D (Korean language). Are there any other languages you would like to add to this dimenSiOn?
DAEMON: For our songs, we select the language that best suits each track and use that language accordingly. There is currently an ongoing project called SUPERKIND GO, which is like a social Olympics where Players can participate through TikTok. We’ll later visit the country of a winner, and we’re planning to create music there. In such cases, we’ll likely try to incorporate the language of the country we visit into our music.
Q: With your unique concept, how do you imagine your concerts around the world to meet your fans?
SiO: We highly value in-person, face-to-face interactions with our fans, and that’s why we make an effort to organize concerts and events in as many countries and cities as possible. We’re committed to creating music that incorporates different languages to make our music accessible to people from various nations, enabling them to enjoy our songs and find solace and inspiration in our music.
About SUPERKIND
SUPERKIND is a seven-member South Korean boy group. As the world’s first gen A-idol, SUPERKIND’s AI members and human members perform together. The group is composed of human members DAEMON, EUGENE, GEON, SiO, and JDV, and AI members SAEJIN and SEUNG. Their group name, SUPERKIND, is an anagram of NUKE, PRID, and S. NUKE refers to members from the virtual world, and PRID refers to members from the real world. They work together towards achieving one common goal, which is to find S, which, as of now, still remains a secret to everyone.
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