What in the World - Can you be fined for insulting virtual K-pop idols?

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PLAVE is your average hit-making K-pop group, but with a twist: its members are virtual avatars. There are real-life performers behind the characters, who control their voices and dance moves using motion capture technology, but their identities are kept secret.

Despite their anonymity, a South Korean court has sided with the group after they sued a social media user for insulting comments they posted online about the avatars. Each member was only awarded around $70 US dollars, but the case is one of the first of its kind and sets an important precedent. So what does this mean for how we interact with virtual bands online in the future? The BBC’s Rachel Lee, based in Seoul, breaks down everything you need to know.

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Published on Wednesday, 24th September 2025.

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