VLAST

VLAST (블래스트) is a South Korean entertainment company established in 2022 under the original name Vlending. The company rebranded to VLAST in 2023 to focus on virtual artist development and cutting-edge entertainment technology. Based in Seoul, VLAST has become synonymous with the success of virtual idol group PLAVE. The company achieved unprecedented success with PLAVE, who became the first virtual idol group to win on Korean music programs in March 2024. PLAVE's second mini album Asterum: 134-1 sold over 569,000 copies in its first week, demonstrating the commercial viability of virtual artists in mainstream K-pop. Their third EP Caligo Pt.1 sold one million copies in its first week, making PLAVE the first virtual group to achieve this milestone. VLAST's technology combines real-time motion capture with traditional idol training and music production. The company's artists perform live on music shows, interact with fans through live streams, and hold concerts with in-person audiences viewing animated performances on screens. PLAVE has headlined four concerts with in-person audiences in Seoul: two April 2024 shows at the 2,500-seat Olympic Hall and two October 2024 dates at the 11,000-capacity Jamsil Indoor Stadium. The company represents a paradigm shift in K-entertainment, proving that virtual artists can achieve the same commercial success and fan devotion as traditional idols. VLAST's innovative approach has attracted attention from industry observers as a model for future entertainment companies.