SEVENTEEN's Woozi clarifies group does not use AI in writing, composing
Woozi of SEVENTEEN has set the record straight on reports claiming that the K-pop group's music allegedly uses artificial intelligence (AI).
On Thursday, July 11, BBC reported about AI in the K-pop scene, where they shared a previous interview with Woozi, whose real name is Lee Ji-hoon, as he opened up about “experimenting” with said technology when making music.
“We practiced making songs with AI, as we want to develop along with technology rather than complain about it," he said during the press conference for their album, 17 is Right Here.
He added that he is exploring how to make use of it as a “leverage,” adding that he tried to “look for the pros and cons.”
“Technology is evolving rapidly and what can we do to keep our identity? This is what I always ponder. And I really love the music video. When we were working on it with the directors, we talked about the same thing - how we have to live with AI,” he continued.
Following this, the K-pop idol and producer took to his now-expired Instagram story to clarify, “All of SEVENTEEN’s music is written and composed by human creators,” his brief statement read.
A source from PLEDIS Entertainment echoed this, saying, “It is not true that AI was used for lyrics of SEVENTEEN’s songs,” as reported by K-media outlet Soompi. BBC’s report has since been edited with Woozi’s statement.
Several Carats, the group’s fandom, took to X to express their support for the K-pop star.
“[E]very tongue that rises against [W]oozi's genius brain will fall because he has 10 years worth of material to solidify his legacy as a wonderful producer, composer, lyricist, and artist,” an X user posted.
Another one said, “[I] won’t take any [W]oozi or [SEVENTEEN] slander because they worked so hard to be wherever [SEVENTEEN] is right now. [T]wisting Woozi’s words is like you are discrediting someone’s hard work for years.”
“19-year-old Jihoon saved a whole a** company by writing and producing music and [you] still call it AI? I will never forgive [BBC] news and the toxic fandom that spread the [misinformation]. He worked for 10+ years just for people to discredit his work and hate on him,” an X user also posted.
Apart from being a K-pop idol, Woozi is also known as a producer, co-writing several songs for his group including Thanks, HOT, Super, and Maestro, among others. He has also written for other artists, such as Thankful for You for NU’EST’s Baekho and Downpour for I.O.I.