After having a look at Okay-pop’s largest businesses, I’d like to show my consideration to the smaller (however nonetheless essential) gamers within the Okay-pop sport, 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 about any business-related monetary info past what some other fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how properly these businesses are serving their artists and the overall Okay-pop fan-base.

FNC ENTERTAINMENT

Weirdly sufficient, FNC Leisure has lower lady teams and feminine soloists out of its music roster totally, abandoning some bands and male idol acts. From the company that after dominated with AOA, I discover this a bit stunning. Perhaps they’re simply making an attempt to concentrate on one particular factor and do this properly?

If that’s the case, FNC nonetheless has a methods to go. Of their idol acts, P1Harmony feels very a lot on the ascent – particularly internationally. The company might stand to offer them extra frequent comebacks, however their touring has been successful they usually’ve constructed up fairly a fan base. Gross sales are steadily enhancing, too. In the meantime, SF9 is within the throe of enlistments, which means we haven’t gotten full group actions in awhile. Their materials has remained strong, even when their gross sales have barely decreased from their peak. They’re a dependable mid-tier group doing properly for FNC. Lastly, rookies AMPERS&ONE have tons of potential however have but to choose a definite musical id. Gross sales are okay however nothing spectacular in comparison with their largest friends. I’m not fairly certain what the company’s plan is for them.

Most of FNC’s bands are on the older aspect, making comebacks rare. CNBLUE launched a brand new album, whereas F.T.Island and N.Flying have been much less energetic. None of those acts appear to be driving the trade in the intervening time, although that’s to be anticipated. I’m to see how the company’s youngest band Hello-Fi Un!corn proceed to develop. Up to now, their work appears to have fallen into the boring (however profitable) world of J-drama OSTs.

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IST ENTERTAINMENT

IST has steadily been given a low grade on this characteristic regardless of their success with The Boyz. However with that group leaving the company within the coming weeks, I don’t know what’s going to occur subsequent. The Boyz had a reasonably lukewarm 12 months by their requirements. It felt like everybody was simply killing time till the inevitable parting of the way. A sprawling world tour stored them busy in 2024.

Other than The Boyz, there’s not an entire lot taking place at IST. ATBO joined forces with fellow boy group Simply B for the brand new season of Highway to Kingdom – an odd choice for those who’re an company making an attempt to offer your artists a definite id. I suppose there’s nonetheless time for ATBO to copy The Boyz’ success, however I type of really feel like that ship has sailed. I’d be completely happy to be confirmed mistaken!

In the meantime, it looks as if Victon is destined for disbandment. Solely two members stay with the company, and as of now that’s solely a technicality due to army enlistment timelines. On the lady group aspect of issues, Apink proceed their particular anniversary releases however barely promote as a bunch past that, and Weeekly launched a mini album this spring to little fanfare.

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KQ ENTERTAINMENT

KQ has the advantage of a small, profitable roster. They’re capable of put all their consideration into ATEEZ and xikers, guaranteeing sufficient promotion and content material to maintain momentum going. I believe that is good, and the company appears to know what it’s doing.

Whereas I haven’t cherished an ATEEZ track in years, the group has clearly turn into a power within the trade. KQ continues to stability home and worldwide schedules, permitting ATEEZ to seek out success in each a part of the globe. I really feel like I’m at all times seeing them at large occasions and their gross sales have solely elevated this 12 months. Their junior group xikers appeared to have extra rising pains in 2024, failing to see the exponential progress you may count on from a rookie of their caliber. Nevertheless, KQ is actively pushing them in plenty of markets, together with a Japanese debut. I believe they’ll be simply fantastic, however the group wants a giant second to interrupt out with most of the people. Musically, I’d prefer to see them start to distinguish themselves from ATEEZ.

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