A new AI-based fan communication platform associated with producer Lee Soo Man has become the center of online debate, with many fans expressing discomfort over its use of artificial intelligence to imitate artists’ voices and personalities.
BloomingTalk, a fan engagement service featuring artists such as girl group A2O MAY, recently launched AI-powered communication features designed to simulate conversations between idols and their fans. While the platform aims to offer a more interactive experience, many users have questioned whether the concept crosses ethical boundaries.
The service combines traditional fan messaging with artificial intelligence. It is built around two separate functions: Human Talk, where artists personally send messages to fans, and AI Talk, which allows fans to communicate with an AI trained to mimic an artist’s conversational style and voice.
Using the AI Talk feature, users can exchange messages with a digital version of their favorite artist at any time. The platform also includes AI voice calls, enabling fans to speak with a voice model designed to closely resemble the participating idol.
BloomingTalk is affiliated with A2O Entertainment, the company led by Lee Soo Man, and A2O MAY is among the artists currently available on the platform.
Despite the technology’s novelty, the AI functions have generated the strongest reactions from fans.
Access to AI Talk is subscription-based. Fans must purchase a separate pass for each A2O MAY member, priced at 6,800 KRW (approximately US$5). Once the allotted number of messages has been used, additional message packages must be purchased, ranging from 1,900 KRW (about US$1.40) for 20 messages to 19,900 KRW (around US$14) for 600 messages.
Another feature attracting attention is Secret Chat, which the company says is private even from the real artist whose voice and communication style were used to train the AI.
BloomingTalk describes Secret Chat as “a special conversation shared only between you and your AI artist,” emphasizing its exclusive nature.
The platform has promoted its AI services with marketing phrases such as “real connection,” “24-hour real-time conversations,” and “one-of-a-kind memories.” Those claims, however, have fueled criticism from some fans, who argue that interactions with an AI should not be presented as genuine communication with an actual artist.
Although the platform continues to provide authentic messages through its Human Talk feature, many fans remain uneasy about the increasing emphasis on AI-generated interactions. Critics argue that while the technology may offer convenience and entertainment, promoting AI conversations as an authentic emotional connection risks blurring the line between virtual simulation and real artist-fan relationships.
Sources: Sport DongA