Earlier than I take a quick take a look at a lot of Okay-pop’s smaller businesses, there are a couple of that I’ve extra to say about. Think about these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “massive 4” however longer than a paragraph or two may cowl.
As standard, the ideas under are my very own and aren’t aware of any insider info. The aim of those articles is to find out how properly Okay-pop businesses are serving their artists and followers. There will probably be loads of subjective critique.
The Good
Woollim Leisure lastly gave some like to DRIPPIN, giving them a number of comebacks and even managing to safe a slot at this 12 months’s KCON LA (a rarity for artists on their roster). They have been rewarded with the group’s finest album gross sales but. I don’t suppose it is a signal of widespread success for the group, however they clearly have a passionate fan base that’s prepared to (bulk?) purchase.
With regards to Woollim’s extra seasoned acts, the company managed to coordinate a Lovelyz reunion/live performance and stored seven tenths of Golden Little one on their roster after contract negotiations. Golcha’s Jaehyun loved a profitable 12 months as an actor with Jangjun is throughout selection.
The Dangerous
To be sincere, Woollim barely seems like an energetic company any extra. It’s been two years since any of their artists have launched greater than a three-track single album and comebacks are few and much between typically. That is the primary 12 months since debut that Golden Little one haven’t launched new music, making me marvel in the event that they’ll truly be energetic after renewing their contracts. As a fan, I don’t blame a number of the members for leaving. There’s simply not a lot happening with them, musically.
In the meantime, lady group Rocket Punch feels all however executed. Well-liked member Juri left the company this spring and the group hasn’t had a comeback in fourteen months. Even earlier than that, gross sales have been slumping and it by no means felt like Woollim was closely investing in them. I can’t think about they’re cooking up some wonderful return.
Whereas Kwon Eunbi continues to be a well-liked title on the competition circuit, her music has additionally stalled. This 12 months’s single album was her worst performing but and the company appears to lack ambition on the subject of selling her profession as a musician.
Whereas the Lovelyz reunion was a pleasant deal with for longtime followers, Woollim dropped the ball on the subject of promotion. Their new music didn’t even obtain a correct music video and got here and went with out a lot fanfare.
Total, it’s getting tougher and tougher to see how Woollim Leisure turns its trajectory round. Up to now, a minimum of we had wonderful music even when promotions have been missing. Now, with out an identifiable sound or in-house producer, even that feels up within the air. The company will at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart for all they’ve given us, however this decline is troublesome to observe. I hope for a miracle of some kind.
What I’d prefer to see in 2025:
- Musical exercise. Do one thing along with your artists!
- A Golden Little one comeback that lives as much as their potential.
- A comeback that features greater than three tracks.
Earlier years: 2023 // 2022 // 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017