AMAZE, established in 2015, produces VR concert films for global artists, including K-pop idols, with Megan The Stallion’s Enter the Hottieverse the first in 2022.  You can access VR content from the comfort of your home with Meta Quest or Apple Vision Pro (virtual reality headsets) using the AmazeVR app. Or more cost effectively do what we did, attend a VR screening at a cinema. The technical specs speak for themselves: 12K ultra-HD visuals combined with Unreal Engine VFX created a technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing aural-visual spectacle. 

My previous experiences of immersive virtual reality performances have not been the best, as I get disoriented easily, which can lead to extreme nausea. This, however, was completely different. It was more interactive which I think helped with the acclimation to the space, as well as aesthetically stunning which prevented me thinking about how I was feeling. We were given onscreen instructions as to how to put the virtual reality headset on, and a member of the ODEON staff helped those who were having technical problems.

The screening space was packed with the concert itself lasting an hour, consisting of eight songs and corresponding performances. It was extremely well structured, with the different stages providing a contrast to each other, showcasing ENHYPEN’s vocal and choreographic expertise and diversity. The experience gives you, which can be disconcerting depending on your age, close access to the members, and there was a great deal of eye contact along with finger hearts, which seemed to be right in front of my face (just 10 virtual centimeters separating the viewer from the artist). During a Weverse Live Jungwon confessed: “It felt so close I had to take off the headset” and it did take time to get used to this proximity. 

There was also a virtual light stick, which was great fun to use and you could make finger hearts which were reflected on the screen. You can even choose to focus on just one member. These elements helped with the immersion by mimicking the interactive components of a K-pop concert.

While it is possible to think of the experience as a series of music videos, rather than a concert per se, in that there are frequent changes in set design, costume and spatio-temporality, storytelling lent a continuity that cohered the experience as well as personalized it, including three short ments (direct addresses from each of  the members to their fans).

The settings include a sprawling open plan office, an abandoned factory and an outside rooftop, taking us on a virtual tour from the inside to the outside, night to day, technology to nature, and from dark vampiric concept to a more toothless romanticized one, marked by the transition from Sweet Venom and Bite Me to XO (“Only If You Say Yes”) and Highway 1009. But besides everything, it is the virtual proximity to the artist, especially in relation to K-pop groups and soloists where close bonds between fan and idol are nurtured from pre-debut onwards and are fundamental for success, that is one of the main selling points.

From nosebleed seats, regular seating, standing and even private boxes, it is often very difficult to watch a live performance without relying on the large screens on either side of the stage thus missing the nuances of a performance. Here the artist was [virtually] close enough to look directly in your eyes with their unwavering gaze, as highlighted through careful placement of eyeliner, carrying an eroticism and promise of intimacy. Further, the precision of the choreography was highlighted through proximity and it was evident to see just how technically challenging many of their performances are.

This was a great experience and has actually meant that I won’t shy away from virtual reality performances or games in the future. I loved everything about it, the set design, lighting, mise-en-scene and construction of liminal ghostly, gothic worlds. But at the heart of this experience was ENHYPEN and their artistry, personalities and passion, which made it impossible not to become a fan. 

Rating:

Written by Dr Colette Balmain

Feature imaged courtesy of BE:LIFT LAB

*_{Big thank you to AMAZE VR for having us.}

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}