HTC’s XR content production company, VIVE ORIGINALS, has launched the virtual idol audition program “VPOP ASIA.” The program began airing on July 18th on TVBS and CATCHPLAY+ in Taiwan. From July 23rd onwards, it will also be streamed every Thursday at 9 PM (Japan time) on the official VPOP ASIA YouTube channel and Twitch.
“VPOP ASIA” is a program that combines virtual production, Chinese pop music, and digital IP. It presents a stage featuring virtual characters and real performers performing together, with newly arranged versions of 120 famous songs from the Chinese-speaking world over the past 30 years.
There are 15 virtual trainees competing in the show, and its production took a year and a half. 29 musicians, artists, and producers active in the Chinese-speaking music scene participated in the show’s production and judging. The show employs a technique where real performers use motion capture to express the movements of virtual characters.
Lulu (left), host of ‘VPOP ASIA’, and virtual contestant Vella
Lulu (left), host of ‘VPOP ASIA’, and virtual contestant Kisui
The host will be Lulu (Huang Lu Ziyin). This will be her first time hosting on the same stage as a virtual idol. Since the performers are not visible at the recording site, she had to check the characters’ positions and heights on a monitor while conversing and high-fiving them. After seeing the finished video, Lulu expressed her surprise, saying, “Has our technology really advanced this far?”
Popular Japanese VTuber Kson will also be making a special appearance on the show. Siming Liu, Manager General of VIVE ORIGINALS, stated, “We aim to create the future, not just recreate nostalgia.”
“VPOP ASIA” Overview
| Program Title | VPOP ASIA |
| Streaming begins | July 18, 2026 (Taiwan) / July 23, 2026 (YouTube/Twitch) |
| Distribution destination | TVBS Huan Le Tai, CATCHPLAY+, YouTube, Twitch |
| Streaming times (YouTube/Twitch) | Every Thursday at 9:00 PM (Japan time) |
| production | VIVE ORIGINALS（HTC） |
| Appearance | Lulu (host), Kson (special guest appearance) |
| contestant | 15 virtual trainees |
| Judges | 29 people (musicians, artists, and producers from Chinese-speaking regions) |
| Production period | 1 and a half years |
| Number of songs | 120 songs (famous songs from the Chinese-speaking world over the past 30 years) |
This article is an English translation of an original Japanese article, translated by the Mogura VR editorial team.
