After looking at Okay-pop’s largest businesses, I’d like to show my consideration to the smaller (however nonetheless vital) gamers within the Okay-pop recreation, three at a time.
Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on Okay-Pop’s largest businesses, that is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not aware of any business-related monetary data past what another fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how properly these businesses are serving their artists and the final Okay-pop fan-base.
BRAND NEW MUSIC
For idol group followers, Model New Music is essentially about AB6IX and YOUNITE in the mean time. Commercially, every appears to be transferring in several instructions. AB6IX has struggled to match their out-of-the-gate success ever since yr two of their profession, however their music has been fairly strong. This was a superb yr for them with regards to output nevertheless it doesn’t really feel just like the company is de facto attempting to push them past their core fan base.
YOUNITE’s gross sales have steadily grown since their debut and so they hit a brand new peak with their spring album One other. I occurred to love that album so much, too. It nonetheless doesn’t really feel like they’re competing within the large leagues and so they misplaced a member this yr, however they absolutely gained some notoriety from collaborating in Highway To Kingdom.
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CUBE ENTERTAINMENT
Dice was once one of many large gamers in Okay-pop and in some regards they nonetheless are. (G)I-DLE stay huge in Korea and overseas, scoring certainly one of their largest hits this yr. Nonetheless, it stays to be seen whether or not Soyeon re-signs with the corporate within the coming weeks. A lot of their fortunes going ahead will possible rely on that call. They’ve already misplaced BTOB and far of Pentagon. I’m undecided they will afford shedding even a part of (G)I-DLE – particularly its driving inventive power.
A part of the rationale why these pillars are so vital to the company is that Dice hasn’t accomplished an amazing job cultivating new expertise. LIGHTSUM barely promote and new boy group These days appears to be having bother getting off the bottom. For a gaggle of their debut yr, Dice ought to actually be placing extra muscle behind them. And personally, I didn’t suppose a lot of the music that got here from the company this yr was that nice. They lack an identification and artistic imaginative and prescient.
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DSP MEDIA
As I’m working by way of my “Again to Okay-pop’s First Technology” collection, it’s attention-grabbing to mirror on simply how a lot of a power DSP Media was once within the business. They’ve lengthy since relinquished that energy, which is a disgrace. Now, they’re down to some mid-tier teams that appear to be focusing extra on area of interest audiences than conquering Okay-pop as a complete.
Going area of interest isn’t a nasty thought and could be fairly worthwhile. I’m completely satisfied that each KARD and Younger Posse have particular musical identities. Their music isn’t at all times for me, nevertheless it serves a function and isn’t simply assembly-line pop fluff. KARD’s long-awaited comeback got here and went this yr. They’re a profitable touring act in worldwide markets, however their present tour was lately postponed. Younger Posse got a much bigger push this yr, even performing on the MAMA Awards. Time will inform if this promotion pays off, however I really feel like I’ve seen extra of them these previous few months and their gross sales have elevated. Nonetheless, DSP will get a giant stain on their file for letting boy group Mirae slip by way of their fingers. They disbanded this yr after barely being promoted within the first place. What a waste of potential.
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