After having a look at Okay-pop’s largest companies, 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 companies, that is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not aware of any business-related monetary data past what some other fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how effectively these companies are serving their artists and the overall Okay-pop fan-base.
MYSTIC STORY
Mystic Story is a brand new addition to this function as a result of they now have extra acts on their roster than a number of the different companies I write about! They’re making their identify as a unusual various to mainstream outfits and have moved additional into the idol market this yr.
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 army enlistments so it stays to be seen what the subsequent few years appear like.
Mystic’s lady group Billlie hit a little bit of a snag this yr, with just one comeback (and a few Japanese work). It looks 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 yr. Their future is a giant 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 steady roster, not debuting any new teams in 2024. Mamamoo stay on hiatus as a bunch, however every member is energetic as a soloist and collectively they launched fairly a little bit of music this yr. 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 fascinating 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.Okay.L hit. That’s a little bit of an odd selection, although they did the track justice. As an alternative of fixed promotions, RBW shipped them off to Street 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. Alternatively, their brother group ONEWE continues to see regular progress regardless of comparatively sparse promotions. They appear content material with their core fan base quite than reaching for large notoriety, and that’s high-quality.
Woman group Purple Kiss are struggling to discover a sound or idea that basically clicks. Their music stays strong, 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 fashioned on survival sequence. Almost each artist on their roster spawns from a 101/Planet/I-LAND sequence. However regardless of this inorganic strategy, the company has gotten higher at differentiating its acts.
ZEROBASEONE proceed to be a brilliant spot. Their music has its personal perspective and the group launched plenty of it this yr. In between their two albums, they discovered time for OSTs and Japanese work. Gross sales slumped a bit, however they’re nonetheless effectively throughout the million sellers membership. That’s nothing to scoff at! ZB1’s particular person members are additionally booked and busy.
Kep1er had a transitional yr, releasing their closing 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 steady 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 just a few 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 Sport sequel will likely be out quickly, buoying her star energy even additional.
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