‘Virtual Play’: Genie Music VR service lets you see Mamamoo up-close

Streaming service Genie Music launched a new virtual reality-powered video service on Tuesday with girl group Mamamoo’s ultra-high resolution performances as the platform’s first project.

The Korean streaming giant’s new platform, dubbed “Virtual Play,” uses all the latest VR technology to present a 360-degree, 3D, 8K ultrahigh resolution experience. 

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Cho Hoon, CEO of Genie Music, explained the name was inspired by the concept of the LP, the vinyl record that stands for “long play,” and promised a life-like concert viewing experience at home.

“From the past, technology breakthroughs for music players have changed how people consume music and offered new values to music content. VP, the world’s first virtual music listening service, will allow music fans around the world to consume,” he said in a statement.

The event was also attended by Solar of Mamamoo, who said, “I hope fans can enjoy our experimental performances up close, which was filmed in a 360-degree ultrahigh resolution setting.”

The service began with the idea of giving fans the opportunity to see their favorite artist live on stage without having to be at the venue. And to materialize the idea, the developers worked on the service for a year.

The first-ever edition of Virtual Play consists of a smartphone-powered head mount display, an SD card and a photobook.

And the content includes some of Mamamoo’s most popular numbers, including “Decalcomanie,” “Egotistic” and “gogobebe,” with each performance taking nearly 4 gigabytes of space.

With the aid of 360-degree filming and image stitching technology, viewers can get an up-close look of the stars on the stage, as well as a wider view of the performances.

The CEO also said the company has been in talks with entertainment agencies for possible collaborations, expressing wishes to work with K-pop mogul J.Y. Park.

Genie Music, a subsidiary of telecom firm KT, could provide competition to V Live, web portal Naver’s video streaming service.

In October, V Live, which has livestreamed concerts from the likes of BTS and Monsta X, unveiled the 3D content service “V Live VR.”

The first Virtual Play package with Mamamoo is priced at 55,000 won ($46). Presales are ongoing via major online retailers and the product is set to hit shelves on Dec. 19.

By Yim Hyun-su (hyunsu@heraldcorp.com)