The model, singer, DJ and influencer is a digitally rendered human who is destined to stay 22 years old forever—and she has taken social media by storm. Tatler “meets” Rozy to find out her story
At first glance, Oh Rozy (@rozy.gram) looks just like any other top Instagram influencer. Photos and videos of the 22-year-old South Korean living the high life—globetrotting, modelling, dressed in stylish designs and attending high-profile events—fill her feed.
But here’s the twist: Oh Rozy isn’t real.
The brainchild of Seoul-based creative company Sidus Studio X, Oh Rozy—which means “one and only” in Korean, and is known simply as Rozy to her fans—is South Korea’s very first virtual influencer. Though the concept of virtual influencers isn’t new, Rozy is the first to be created using 3D modelling technology. Making her debut on Instagram in August 2020, she is presented as a young Korean girl with a look favoured by what’s dubbed “generation MZ” in South Korea—those who fall somewhere between millennial and gen Z. These include flawless skin, full lips and slender legs. She works as a singer, model and DJ, and is also an advocate for sustainability: posts about environmental protection are a regular feature.
At the time of writing, Rozy has 144,000 followers on Instagram. Last year, she was estimated to have made more than 1 billion Korean won (approximately US$854,000) from sponsorship deals alone, according to Business Insider. Brands she has worked with include Tiffany & Co and Calvin Klein.
Here, she tells us about why she was given her personality and traits, her most memorable project to date—and why she hopes to be a force for good.
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Tell us about yourself.
I’m South Korea’s first virtual influencer, with a strong passion for lifestyle. Oh Rozy is my real name, which means “one and only” in Korean. I’m now working as a model for brands, and recently, I was appointed an ambassador of Busan Expo, alongside Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae and K-pop megaband BTS. It’s an especially busy time for me, because I’m also preparing for my new single.
What is your identity?
I was born to represent generation MZ, the most influential group of trendsetters in [South Korean] society. My personality traits, values, looks and hobbies were chosen to portray a lifestyle that’s entertaining to my audience. From attending events to showcasing the latest collections from luxury labels, everything I post on social media is timely, fun and engaging, and will appeal to the public.
As someone who never ages, it’s my goal to keep up with trends and to represent the young generation of every era.
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