RBW Partners with AI Avatar Chat App ‘Almigo’ Offering Explicit Messages and Video Calls; Netizens Demand Mass Boycott

RBW has partnered with KLLEON’s AI avatar chat app, almigo, to bring K-Pop fans a new way to interact with their favorite idols—virtually. This app now features characters modeled after RBW artists like KARA’s Youngji, MAMAMOO’s Solar, Oh My Girl’s Hyojung, and YOUNG POSSE’s Gianna. Users can pick these AI avatars and have one-on-one text conversations with them.

The app offers two tiers of interaction: a free basic chat where users can send messages to the avatars, and a paid “Prime” feature. While the basic service lets users chat, the paid version allows for more explicit conversations and even video calls with these AI-created idol characters.

This collaboration quickly triggered a wave of backlash, especially among K-netizens who saw the app as problematic, possibly threatening the safety and dignity of these artists. Critics accused almigo and RBW of enabling “verbal and sexual abuse and exploitation” through these virtual avatars and called for a boycott and reports of the app for “offensive, illegal, and abusive content.”

Korean netizens voiced their outrage bluntly:

"This is so messed up. Report this disgusting app right now!!"
Anonymous K-netizen

"Just when I thought that RBW could not sink any lower, it surprises me yet again."
Anonymous K-netizen

"This is so disgusting and ridiculous. Just reported everything. If this kind of exploitation is permitted now, other people will jump to make easy money like this."
Anonymous K-netizen

"If you use images of real people to generate an AI character, that is called DEEPFAKE."
Anonymous K-netizen

"I can’t believe there is a company that is willingly selling their female artists’ images like this.. I don’t think it’ll be enough to report the app. We need to report this company."
Anonymous K-netizen

"They must be in some serious financial trouble if they’re stooping this low."
Anonymous K-netizen

"This is no different from a cyber sex crime."
Anonymous K-netizen

"OMG someone please save Hyojung from this TT"
Anonymous K-netizen

"Everyone at that company must have lost their minds."
Anonymous K-netizen

"They say K-Pop companies will do anything for money but this is a NEW LOW."
Anonymous K-netizen

The controversy highlights the fine line apps like almigo walk when creating AI representations of real people, especially public figures. Many worry about the risks tied to deepfake technologies and the potential misuse of these avatars in ways that could harm the idols’ reputations and personal boundaries.

Below is a summary of almigo’s features: the free basic chat lets users exchange text messages, while the paid Prime subscription grants access to explicit conversations and video calls:

[Image showing Basic vs. Prime features on almigo]

Fans and observers have been quick to criticize the move, emphasizing the ethical and legal questions it raises regarding AI use and consent in the entertainment industry. For now, the debate continues as to how much control and protection idols should have over their digital likenesses.