BIGBANG's Seungri takes on big new role at AR company
By Lee Min-young
BIGBANG's Seungri is venturing into the IT sector. Yonhap
K-pop boy band BIGBANG's Seungri will join Korean augmented-reality (AR) product company SocialNetwork as head of its virtual-reality (VR) department.
The youngest member of the once second-to-none K-pop boy act headed by G-Dragon is involved in several businesses dealing with products like ramen, cosmetics and clubs. But this is his first venture into the IT sector.
SocialNetwork said on Saturday Seungri will launch his own VR franchise brand "Head Rock VR" as his first project after taking office. With its head gear, the product is designed to “rock” users with entertainment in VR experiences.
The singer-turned-entrepreneur will also be active as the brand's model.
Seungri, 29, will be officially appointed at the company's inaugural reception on Nov. 11, where he is expected to give a presentation on his new IT brand.
"It is an honor to work with the nation's top AR/VR company," the star said through the company. "I would like to extend my business well beyond the food and beverage industry and create a new culture that entertains people.”
The brand's first overseas franchise store will open in Singapore on Nov. 15. Eight more are set to open in and out of the country by the end of 2018, including in Seoul, Busan, Japan, China, Mexico and the U.S.