K-pop legend Lee Hyun-do to revive Deux’s Kim Sung-jae with AI

K-pop duo Deux’s Lee Hyun-do, right, and the late Kim Sung-jae perform in this undated photo. Korea Times file

K-pop pioneer Lee Hyun-do, one half of the iconic 1990s hip-hop duo Deux, will release new music featuring the voice of his late partner Kim Sung-jae using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Lee said he aims to release a fourth full-length album of the duo band by the end of 2025.

"I hope to get a reaction from the younger generation who don't know Deux, something like, 'I don't know who this is, but it's cool,'" he was quoted as saying by the local news agency on Saturday.

Lee explained his plan to use AI to extract and synthesize Kim's voice from Deux's existing discography. He will then combine it with his own vocals to create new songs. He also mentioned that he is preparing a music video to accompany the new releases.

Formed in 1993, Deux pioneered new jack swing in Korea, blending hip-hop, funk, pop and R&B. They quickly rose to fame with hit songs like "Look Back at Me" (1993), "In Summer" (1994) and “Break off the Yoke” (1994).

In 1995, the band announced its disbandment, and fans were left in shock when Kim, who made a solo debut with a song by Lee, unexpectedly passed away that same year.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kim’s passing. Lee said that he wants to honor Kim's memory and showcase the side of him that remains in people's minds.

Lee mentioned that he felt a sense of honor that their music is still being talked about, especially since their song "Look Back at Me" was used as background music in the Netflix animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters."

"I am grateful and honored that people still talk about Deux," Lee said.

He also confirmed that he has received consent from Kim's family to use his voice for the project.