The group ICHILLIN' (이지, 지윤, 재키, 주니, 채린, 예주, 초원) participated in the world's first AI audition program.
ICHILLIN' appeared on the K-pop survival audition program 'A-IDOL', broadcast on MBC on the night of the 17th, captivating global fans with a stage where visuals, live performance, and choreography perfectly harmonized.
'A-IDOL', specially arranged as a two-part series on MBC, is an AI-led audition program that analyzes and evaluates the performances of six active girl groups, totaling 36 participants, in a mysterious virtual space called 'Hexarium,' with singing, choreography, stage manners, style, and more being assessed by the digital human AI producer 'Rodiy.'
'Rodiy' conducts fair evaluations based on different standards and perspectives from humans, determining the elimination and advancement of participants based on scores and results for each round. Unlike traditional auditions, this innovative 'enter-tech' model is led by AI throughout the planning, directing, and judging process, creating a new level of tension and synergy between AI and human artists.
Previously, the global IP production team of MBC (문화방송), which produced 'A-IDOL,' achieved the splendid feat of winning the K-AI industry Korean Wave award at the '2025 K-AI AWARDs' held in April, being recognized for both creativity and technological prowess. It has also garnered significant interest in the overseas content market, leading to active discussions on global format exports.
In the first broadcast of the day, a performance titled 'Prelude to Darkness: Call of the Abyss' reinterpreting the essence of hit songs unfolded. ICHILLIN', who faced off against LIGHTSUM with Pentagon's 'Shine,' showcased a powerful performance with unwavering live vocals and perfectly synchronized choreography, heating up the atmosphere on site.
In particular, member 초원 caught attention by gracefully handling an incident during the performance when her microphone fell. ICHILLIN' won that round with 'Rodiy's evaluation, stating that "the steady vocalization from the first note to the end was effective" regarding their vocals, and "overall it was excellent" concerning the choreography. The second part of 'A-IDOL,' where fans can meet ICHILLIN's unique charm, will be broadcast on MBC at 12:40 a.m. on the 24th.
Meanwhile, ICHILLIN' wrapped up the official activities for the title track 'XL (Extra Love)' from their fourth mini album 'WILD CHERRY' after the broadcast of SBS funE's 'The Show' on the 12th.
[Photo] MBC
[OSEN]