After looking at Ok-pop’s greatest businesses, I’d like to show my consideration to the smaller (however nonetheless necessary) gamers within the Ok-pop sport, 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 another fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how nicely these businesses are serving their artists and the overall Ok-pop fan-base.
THE BLACK LABEL
That is the primary yr I’ve included The Black Label as their very own entity on this characteristic, and for good cause. They’ve had fairly a 2025. First off, the debut of ALLDAY PROJECT went higher than anybody might have anticipated, with their first single Well-known standing as one of many yr’s greatest chart hits. There’s actually been some controversy round them, however that solely appears to extend the general public’s curiosity. And well, the company has given the group a fast comeback with a brand new mini album simply across the nook.
MEOVV’s discography has developed properly this yr. I can’t say I fully vibed with their debut, however I’ve loved all their comebacks in 2025 and the group appears to be steadily gaining reputation. The Black Label’s worldwide prospects are additionally robust, with BLACKPINK’s Rosé persevering with to be a marquee star all over the world regardless of releasing little or no new music this yr. APT continues to dominate charts over a yr after its launch.
Sadly, it nonetheless doesn’t look like the company is aware of what to do with Jeon Somi. She ceaselessly will get their weakest materials and comebacks are too rare.
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CUBE ENTERTAINMENT
Dice’s roster is as small because it’s even been, with solely i-dle and NOWZ presently energetic. Humorous sufficient, each teams went via a re-brand this yr.
I-dle proceed to be extremely common, although 2025 didn’t really feel like a watershed yr for them. They’re nonetheless within the million-sellers membership with their newest mini album, but its promoted songs didn’t dissipate the charts the best way they often do. As an alternative, a lot of the members spent their yr engaged in solo initiatives. These all offered comparatively nicely, however didn’t really feel like a significant a part of the Ok-pop dialog.
Dice was very good to re-brand These days after a less-than-stunning debut yr. For me, 2025 felt like their true debut with a noticeable rise in high quality and far stronger gross sales. I went from being fully disinterested to a loyal fan, and that’s not simple to do. It simply goes to indicate that if you happen to put money into high quality music you’ll encourage a bigger fanbase.
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FNC ENTERTAINMENT
With every passing yr, FNC Leisure is reclaiming their roots as an company that caters primarily to rock bands. One other new one (AxMxP) debuted this yr, becoming a member of FTIsland, CNBLUE and N.Flying on FNC’s roster. These bands typically make rare comebacks and none made many waves in 2025. AxMxP appear promising, however we’ll see if they’ll differentiate themselves from their company seniors.
On the dance pop / hip-hop aspect of issues, P1Harmony continued to chug alongside because the company’s hottest act of the second. I discovered their 2025 output fairly lackluster (and generally downright dangerous), however they’re clearly connecting with followers. Their English-language album appeared to return and go together with no fanfare, although.
In the meantime, SF9 barely promoted this yr and the company nonetheless has no concept what to do with AMPERS&ONE, giving them probably the most generic boy group materials potential. Their gross sales are rising a bit, although.
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