The Unexpected Truth Behind HYBE’s “Controversial” MIDNATT Project Is Finally Revealed — It’s Not What Netizens Anticipated
At the start of the month, HYBE had fans talking after they released a trailer for a new project named “MIDNATT.”
When the videos and teasers were released, amid controversy about Weverse and dynamic ticket pricing, fans were disappointed to discover that MIDNATT is not a new group but rather an AI creation.
me trying to hack bighit’s system and delete every AI related thing they’re about to drop pic.twitter.com/vB2K97gguL
— mar 🥢 (@escape0x1) May 1, 2023
so you’re telling me bighit ended the trainee a project to do another project involving fucking AI’s…. BE FUCKING SERIOUS BIGHIT
— WHO’s nonna (@nonnanextdoor) May 1, 2023
On May 15, the video was revealed for MIDNATT’s track “Masquerade.” The video seemed as mysterious as the teasers…
But fans quickly recognized a familiar face and also a familiar voice on the track. It was revealed that MIDNATT was not a new group or something created by AI, but it was actually a new path for veteran HYBE artist Lee Hyun.
An article about the project revealed that the AI portion of the project was to allow the song to be sung in different languages. It was seen by the options on YouTube to have the song dubbed into six languages.
The technology used in the track allowed the dubbed version of the song to sound like they’re being sung by a native speaker. They took Lee Hyun’s voice and used the Supertone software to make MIDNATT’s voice data sound like a native-speaking narrator.
Yet, while it was shocking to fans, an interview with one of the artists of BigHit Entertainment, Lee Hyun, revealed the motive behind the project that earned such mixed reviews.
While my new identity may feel unfamiliar to fans, my goal has always been to reach the global audience. Rising above the language barriers would be the first step in this journey.
— Lee Hyun (via Fast Company)
After the video and interview revealed the truth behind MIDNATT, it wasn’t surprising that netizens voiced their anger about the marketing strategy.
While it did raise intrigue, it painted a negative image of the project, and many thought that if they had marketed it as Lee Hyun’s alter ego, it would’ve had a lot more positive reactions. In particular, the initial fear of AI not allowing real artists to shine was proven false as Lee Hyun has found a new career path to allow his talents to shine.
People out here are the worst. Midnatt is not an AI artist, is Lee Hyun alter ego (like August D is the alter ego for Suga) https://t.co/9dOYCxKy74 pic.twitter.com/5DxCHh4ivW
— 𝖑𝖔𝖚. (@lou6l9) May 15, 2023
the moment i heard lee hyun's voice i knew we were gagged by bh sjdjjs it wasn't a new artist nor an ai artist but hyun's alter ego like suga with agust d.. bighit crazy fr
— btxt archive THE PLANET D-DAY (@0X1_1304) May 15, 2023
Lee Hyun re-debuting as MIDNATT and with a new persona like YOU LOOK SO FINE pic.twitter.com/sMY0MLOfbI
— nba wife yas (@soobwhat) May 15, 2023
Midnatt is LEE HYUN!?!? SHSHSH the way we FUMED thinking this was an ai project or sumn 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/BlGZdcmmtq
— madi⁷ 😈💜 (@yoongichy) May 15, 2023
Considering the negative reaction surrounding the project, and the focus on AI, many fans are still angry that HYBE’s vagueness overshadowed Lee Hyun’s talent and the possibility of a huge reveal of a new chapter in his career.
You can read more about fans’ initial worries below.
Who Or What Is MIDNATT? Unmasking HYBE’s Mysterious New Project
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