Naevis: SM Entertainment’s First Virtual Artist Releases Debut Single ‘Done’

Naevis (nævis), SM Entertainment’s first virtual artist, walks into the real world with her debut single “Done,” streaming now.

In a fictitious realm, Naevis, who was initially Aespa’s “sidekick,” gets her first shot at freedom with “Done,” breaking all that was holding her down thus far. Its stunning synth sounds and enigmatic climatic backdrop befit her adventure-seeking drive—an eagerness to discover the world she’s just entered. The song is immersive in Naevis’ distinct thinking and outlook as the music and lyrics portray her pushing forward into the space unhindered.

Naevis can be seen casually savoring life on the ground in an urban setting in the music video for “Done.” The richness of the aesthetics is made better by attractive, arresting visuals that accompany her transitions between the virtual and physical realities.

The song’s official release statement reads, “As a ‘flexible character’ who can adapt to various platforms—from a hyperreal version created using VFX technology to casual 3D and toon style—nævis plans to expand her IP universe beyond music to include webtoons, games, merchandise, and brand collaborations, leveraging AI voice technology and generative AI-produced content.”

Naevis underscores the use of state-of-the-art technology—computer-generated images—and digital advancements, especially artificial intelligence—enabling virtual artists, influencers, and simulated characters of sorts to connect with audiences, redefining ways that we hear and enjoy music and ways that we enjoy art and entertainment.

Her journey began in 1991. Naevis like Black Mamba hails from the mystical Kwangya, initially triggering her interactions with people, in stages enlightening her about humans and their emotions. Standing in stark contrast to Black Mamba (the AI with a very different vision of humans), and prompted by a passionate desire to uncover and explore our world, she has made her much-awaited entry into real life.

Naevis featured on Aespa’s third mini-album, “Welcome to My World,” and performed individually at the Seoul stage of the group’s recent world tour. Also, both Aespa’s debut track “Black Mamba” and Naevis’ genesis story feature an arc about Black Mamba causing “synk out,” which cuts off Naevis and Ae-Aespa from the world of reality and Aespa. She’s additionally noted in “My, Karina” for setting up the meeting between Karina and Ae-Karina, her virtual avatar.

Naevis is versatile enough to fit with ease into several platforms; it adds to her appeal as a “flexible character” who can push past the limits of creativity, imagination, and storytelling. She’s drop-dead gorgeous—free from any confines of physicality or tangibleness—to manifest fantasies. Her debut single, “Done,” amply reflects that, while also the eventful end of her stay in Kwangya and the dawn of an intriguing new phase of her discoveries on Earth.

In the rapidly evolving impressive K-pop scene, Naevis is a beautiful metaphor for the bigger picture, bigger, and all things dynamic—a face of cutting-edge technology and futuristic content.