The New Zealand and LA-based tech and artificial intelligence (AI) company Soul Machines has achieved a world first by attaching a K-pop celebrity’s likeness to a GPT digital twin.

Taking its patented AI technology and OpenAI’s GPT integration, Soul Machines is partnering with world-famous rapper, singer and member of popular K-pop (South Korean pop music) group GOT7, Mark Tuan to launch “Digital Mark”.

He has the brains of ChatGPT and the looks developed by AI.

With the “Digital Mark”, fans of Tuan can interact with his AI model and engage in unique one-on-one conversations talking about anything in real time, similar to a video call with the popstar.

Soul Machines and the collaboration with Tuan is part of its project to bring digital people to life through a ‘digital brain’ powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which simulates human-like behaviour in order to create the “most ‘digitally-alive’ avatars possible”.

Using deep-tech research and advanced motion capture, the “Digital Mark” replicates Tuan to a tee, from his facial movements, mannerisms and exact likeness.

Read more: What does the mainstream AI ChatGPT mean for NZ?

“I’m excited that my fans will meet and talk with Digital Mark, and through him get to connect with me on a new level,” says Tuan.

“I’ve long been interested in emerging technology, especially when it comes to innovative and exciting ways to engage with my fans. I’m also thrilled that through my new Digital Twin, I’ll soon be able to talk to my fans in multiple languages, which will help spread my music even further across the globe.”

“Digital Mark” is a project Soul Machines is working on to recreate the culture of fan engagement and brand partnerships, giving followers of these celebrities – like Tuan – a direct line through their digital personas.

Soul Machines is also working on providing “Digital Mark” the language capabilities of Korean and Japanese in late-2023 to encapsulate that global fanbase.

“As our artificial intelligence technology continues to push the boundaries of individualised engagement at scale, it’s exciting to work with forward-thinking partners like Mark Tuan who understand how technology can help elevate their brand and their fan engagement to another level,” says Greg Cross, CEO of Soul Machines.

“While ‘Digital Mark’ is the first Digital Celebrity Twin of its kind, we’re only at the beginning of how autonomous animation will reshape how individuals across the globe interact with celebrities and brands.”