Entertainment

SHINee's Key Raises Alarm Over AI Covers, Advocating for Voice Licensing

2024-09-23

Key's Concerns Over AI in Music

On September 23rd, Key, a member of the legendary K-pop group SHINee, took center stage at a press conference in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, to celebrate the launch of his highly anticipated new mini-album, 'Pleasure Shop.' With a bold cyborg-themed concept, Key shared his insights on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry.

When questioned about AI, Key expressed admiration for the technology, stating, "It's an incredible technology. I want to utilize it as much as I can, as long as it's not misused. I think it's a good thing." However, he voiced his concerns by adding, "I just hope it doesn't surpass humans. Aren't AI covers a bit scary? I've heard my voice covering other artists' songs, even though I never recorded them. I was amazed, but I also thought that if it advances further, there should be voice licensing and relevant laws in place."

The Debate on Voice Licensing

Key's remarks underline an escalating debate in the music world regarding the ethical implications of AI-generated content. As AI tools become more sophisticated, they can replicate an artist's unique voice and style, leading to potential exploitation and loss of control over an artist's creative identity. The need for regulatory frameworks around voice licensing is becoming increasingly urgent, especially when fans encounter music that may feature their favorite artists' voices without their consent.

New Music from Key