After having a look at Ok-pop’s greatest businesses, I’d like to show my consideration to the smaller (however nonetheless vital) gamers within the Ok-pop recreation, three at a time.
Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on Ok-Pop’s greatest businesses, that is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not aware of any business-related monetary info past what every other fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how effectively these businesses are serving their artists and the overall Ok-pop fan-base.
MYSTIC STORY
Mystic Story is a brand new addition to this characteristic as a result of they now have extra acts on their roster than among the different businesses I write about! They’re making their identify as a unusual various to mainstream outfits and have moved additional into the idol market this 12 months.
Lucy proceed to chug alongside, steadily constructing a faithful fan base and touring the world. They promote effectively for a band and their most up-to-date album is their most profitable but. Nonetheless, the band has entered its period of navy enlistments so it stays to be seen what the following few years seem like.
Mystic’s lady group Billlie hit a little bit of a snag this 12 months, with just one comeback (and a few Japanese work). It seems like they’ve misplaced some buzz since their debut, although health-related hiatuses might have contributed to this. The company additionally debuted new boy group ARrC this 12 months. Their future is an enormous query mark, with tons of potential however little motion for his or her first album. It’s nonetheless very early, although.
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RBW (RAINBOW BRIDGE WORLD)
RBW proceed to have a secure roster, not debuting any new teams in 2024. Mamamoo stay on hiatus as a gaggle, however every member is energetic as a soloist and collectively they launched fairly a little bit of music this 12 months. This music was diversified in sound and scope, however sadly solely two the members are nonetheless signed with RBW as soloists. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see in the event that they ever return as a four-piece.
Boy group ONEUS’s solely 2024 comeback was a canopy of a 2000 Fin.Ok.L hit. That’s a little bit of an odd selection, although they did the music justice. As an alternative of fixed promotions, RBW shipped them off to Highway To Kingdom. Actually, they really feel a bit too seasoned for this present, making their participation a wierd selection. I assume RBW hopes to capitalize on any buzz with a brand new album? In any other case, I’m undecided what the purpose was. Then again, their brother group ONEWE continues to see regular development regardless of comparatively sparse promotions. They appear content material with their core fan base moderately than reaching for enormous notoriety, and that’s advantageous.
Lady group Purple Kiss are struggling to discover a sound or idea that actually clicks. Their music stays stable, however they need to actually be promoting extra albums than they’re. Like ONEUS, it doesn’t really feel that RBW actually know what to do with them.
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WAKE ONE ENTERTAINMENT
Wake One is the go-to company for idol teams shaped on survival collection. Practically each artist on their roster spawns from a 101/Planet/I-LAND collection. However regardless of this inorganic strategy, the company has gotten higher at differentiating its acts.
ZEROBASEONE proceed to be a vivid spot. Their music has its personal viewpoint and the group launched loads of it this 12 months. In between their two albums, they discovered time for OSTs and Japanese work. Gross sales slumped a bit, however they’re nonetheless effectively inside the million sellers membership. That’s nothing to scoff at! ZB1’s particular person members are additionally booked and busy.
Kep1er had a transitional 12 months, releasing their last album as a full group and re-configuring shortly after. Whereas it’s thrilling to see them proceed previous their preliminary contract, we’ll see the place their music goes from right here. Regardless of the member adjustments, they really feel fairly secure commercially.
It’s nonetheless too early to guage new group Izna’s success, although they arrive with loads of business firepower behind them. I’m not but sensing the extent of pleasure I’d anticipated, however they solely debuted a number of days in the past so I’m undecided we are able to draw any conclusions but.
Of the company’s solo acts, Jo Yuri stays most profitable as an actress. The Squid Recreation sequel will likely be out quickly, buoying her star energy even additional.
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