VLAST'S CEO HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF VIRTUAL IDOLS, GOOD MUSIC, AND CONTENT

Article published: April 27, 2023

Original source: https://www.hankooki.com/news/articleViewAmp.html?idxno=31728

English translation: plaveintl

An interview with Lee Sung-gu by Jo Sung-jin

Computer graphics (CG) are used everywhere from variety shows to documentaries, dramas, and beyond. CG not only adds vitality to each program, from the creation of fixed titles to the visual effects of each scene, but it also serves as an infinite problem solver that can handle areas that are impossible to shoot in real life. In the world of CG in the broadcasting industry, there is a name that stands out as the "infinite problem solver" - Lee Sung-gu (48).

Lee Sung-gu has worked as the MBC Video Art Department's VFX team supervisor (now Design Center) from 2002 to 2021, producing the majority MBC's signature programs.

These programs include "Infinite Challenge," which introduced a new dimension to variety shows with star PD Kim Tae-ho, the historical drama "Empress Ki" starring Ha Ji-won and Ji Chang- wook, the melodrama/suspense drama "W" starring Lee Jong-suk and Han Hyo-joo, and "Gu Family Book" starring Lee Seung-gi and Suzy, among others.

Introducing VLAST

Lee Sung-gu, who worked at MBC for 18 years, recently started his own venture called VLAST, and attracted attention by successfully raising 2.4 billion won in investment from MBC and IPX (formerly Line Friends). He also launched a virtual idol group called PLAVE and I met with CEO Lee Sung-gu, who is preparing to release their debut single in November. The VLAST office, located near Hongik Kukdong Broadcasting is divided into several spaces such as workrooms, studios, and meeting rooms, so it doesn't look big when you first enter. However, when you combine all the spaces together, it is over 100 square meters in size. Famous IT/entertainment agencies are mostly located around Gangnam, but VLAST has set up its nest in Hongdae. At first, they also considered the Gangnam area, but as a startup, they were burdened not only with high rent but also with the fact that the founder and other members of the team lived in Ilsan and other places where commuting was easier, so they ended up deciding on Hongdae.

After just a few months since its establishments, the company not only received investment, but also felt the expansion of its business, which has boosted the morale of its employees. As a result, more and more employees are moving closer to the company in the Hongdae area to save commuting time. The number of employees has also increased dramatically from 15 to 35. Instead of using formal titles such as CEO, director, or manager, employees at the company use self-made English nicknames. For example, rather than calling the CEO by his formal title, "Mr. Lee," they call him "William." It is also notable that the seating arrangement in the office is arranged in a single line, from executives to new hires. There is no separate office for the CEO, which suggests that the company culture is very free and open. Even during an interview, a deputy representative brought in coffee for the interviewer. Animation specialist, Vice President Yoon Chang-hee, is in charge of overall character design, including bones and facial expressions, at the company.

He previously worked with CEO Lee Sung-gu at MBC and was also formerly employed by Capcom Korea, a Korean subsidiary of the world-renowned Japanese game software company, Capcom. СТО Lee Hyun-woo oversees the game engine division. He is known as a "genius of Unreal Engine" in the industry and is one of the so-called "scary 20s." Lee Hyun-woo is part of a team of 11 Unreal Engine experts. It is rare to find a team of Unreal Engine professionals of this size in the same field.

The MBC 60th anniversary VR human documentary "I Met You" showed a good example of communicating through a game engine. At the time, CEO Lee Sung-gu gained confidence that he could do bigger things with a game engine while producing this program. This led to the founding of VLAST. In line with the company's vision of "the future of communication through game graphics," he plans to apply game engine technology extensively. The name VLAST was created by replacing the 'b' in the word "blast," which means explosion, with the 'v' in "virtual." It embodies the ambition to create a boom with virtual characters.

"In the future, we hope that VLAST will become a leading company in real-time graphics."

"Pixar, with its excellent combination of artistry and cinematic direc tion, is our role model. Pixar is the perfect fusion of art and technology," Lee Sung-gu said. Competitors in VLAST's virtual character field include Giant Step and A-Fun Interactive, with the latter being the main rival.

PLAVE, VLAST's Latest Innovation in Virtual Entertainment

Recently unveiled virtual idol group PLAVE is receiving praise for its fusion of VLAST's technology and sensibility.

On the evening of October 21, 2022, PLAVE performed at a busking event in Hongdae, and although many people initially passed by without noticing, as the performance progressed, people started to gather and show deep interest.

The PLAVE project started in July and achieved remarkable results in a short time, including the unveiling of three members in October. Famous webtoon artist Nakdi designed PLAVE's face/expression, and Mo, who has worked on the production of various idol groups including Brave Girls, joined as an A&R to provide diverse experiences and expertise.

In order to receive a great song,VLAST also requested a famous composer, but as there was not a suitable song, they were troubled. However, they were introduced to EL CAPITXN. EL CAPITXN from Hybe is well known for producing hit songs for several top singers such as BTS, IU, and Psy. Thanks to EL CAPITXN's participation, PLAVE's debut single, scheduled to be released in November, can gain more momentum.

"We want to develop our virtual idol group as an IP that can grow through communication between fans and artists, rather than just emphasizing technological skills. In creating virtual idols, technology is important, but we do not forget that good music and content are the key factors to gaining love from fans, Lee Sung-gu said.