Get your K-pop fix in 3-D

Fans of K-pop boy band GOT7 will be able to see their idols every day as 3-D projections at holographic theatre K-live Sentosa.

But at the official launch of the new attraction yesterday at Resorts World Sentosa, its members turned up in the flesh to promote their involvement and hold an exclusive mini fan meet with 70 fans.

This is K-live's first permanent fixture outside of its performance hall in Seoul, which opened in January 2014.

The current K-live Sentosa line-up features top JYP Entertainment acts GOT7, 2PM and Wonder Girls.

During a press conference, GOT7 member Bambam, 18, said he found it "very amazing" to see his virtual self.

"Initially, it was only a green screen (which we filmed against). Then when you see the final product, all these amazing effects like Lego blocks and spotlights were added," he said.

However, the septet - member Jackson, 21, was not present due to health issues - admitted they did have some trouble mustering up enough energy to deliver a concert-like performance.

"The most difficult part of filming the hologram was pretending that there was an audience in front of you, when there were only cameras and the cameraman.

"It was really difficult to bring out the energy that we would usually have on stage," said another member Mark, 22.

LIFE-SIZE

At yesterday's event, the media had a preview of the full 40-minute gig, in which GOT7 perform Girls Girls Girls, Stop Stop It and Just Right, 2PM does Hands Up and My House, and Wonder Girls belt out I Feel You.

IN THE FLESH: GOT7 was in Singapore for the opening of K-live Sentosa. They are part of the current K-live Sentosa line-up, which also has 2PM and Wonder Girls.

The projections are life-size and appear lifelike and subtitles help the audience understand the dialogue as the projections "interact" with the crowd, asking them to scream and applaud.

It helps that K-pop fans immerse themselves easily in anything involving their beloved idols and will respond with excitement even when what is in front of them is not the real thing.

Mr Sean Park, director of K-live Sentosa and the chief creative officer of Korea-based company Holotive Global, which specialises in creating 3D and hologram effects, revealed that each group showed a lot of dedication and professionalism during the filming.

He said: "I was very impressed by them. 2PM wanted to do more takes, even after six hours of filming for just one song, because they were not satisfied with the performance.

"One of the Wonder Girls members injured her ankle during filming, but rested for only 30 minutes before going back on set like nothing happened.

"GOT7's performance involved some acrobatics and the members had to do about 30 somersaults just for one song."

The K-live theatre has a standing-only capacity of 150, whereas its Seoul counterpart occupies an entire floor of a shopping mall.

Said Mr Park: "Because of the smaller space, instead of a seated theatre, we came up with a 'club-like' concept... to have the audience stand so that they can feel like they're attending a real-life concert."

To keep Sentosa visitors and K-pop fans interested, the holographic content for K-live Sentosa will be updated every six months, with a changing lineup of top K-pop artists and songs.

Said Mr Park: "Maybe sometime in September, you can expect additional special interactive effects such as the hologram projections reacting to you throwing snow foam at them."

GOT7 fan and 19-year-old student Desiree Low, who won contest tickets to the media preview, told The New Paper: "The graphics were really of good quality. Since these idols rarely hold concerts in Singapore, this is the closest we can get to them."

A 25-year-old fan from Thailand, who wanted to be known only as Ms Som and who flew to Singapore for the GOT7 fan meet, said: "I would come to Singapore just for this hologram concert, even if I don't get to see GOT7 live."

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FYI

WHAT: K-live Sentosa

WHERE: Resorts World Sentosa Waterfront

WHEN: 10am-9pm daily

TICKETS: $19 to $39 from Sistic (6348-5555 or www.sistic.com.sg)