Earlier than I take a short take a look at lots of Okay-pop’s smaller businesses, there are a number of that I’ve extra to say about. Contemplate these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “huge 4” however longer than a paragraph or two might cowl.
As regular, the ideas under are my very own and aren’t aware about any insider data. The aim of those articles is to find out how effectively Okay-pop businesses are serving their artists and followers. There shall be loads of subjective critique.
The Good
Although they didn’t have a very noteworthy yr, Starship Leisure continued to chug together with their already-successful teams main the helm. Vivid spots have been IVE and CRAVITY.
IVE didn’t launch as a lot materials as they did in 2023, however their single HEYA loved long-running success they usually branched out additional into the Japanese market. In the meantime CRAVITY launched a mini album earlier than taking part in (and successful) the latest sequence of Street To Kingdom. I didn’t watch the sequence so I can’t touch upon how they got here throughout, however successful a contest present isn’t a nasty factor! Neatly, Starship appears poised to capitalize on this success with the approaching launch of a brand new single.
The Unhealthy
Whereas it was strong sufficient, Starship’s 2024 was additionally surprisingly unambitious. Releases have been few and much between and by no means represented the very best music that’s come from the company. IVE’s work feels a bit directionless in the mean time and their English-language push into world markets landed with a fizzle. They’re nonetheless very talked-about, however the spark of their debut period dimmed this yr.
Equally, CRAVITY appear to have hit a pure peak. With Monsta X on hiatus on account of army enlistments, CRAVITY are Starship’s flagship boy group of the second. They’re doing advantageous, however are actually not driving developments or dialog in the best way that you just’d hope. We’ll need to see if Kingdom may give them a lift.
Sadly, WJSN appear all however forgotten at this level. In addition they gained an MNET sequence in 2022 however Starship did not capitalize on this and the group hasn’t launched materials since then. A quiet disbandment feels an increasing number of doubtless. I hope I’m mistaken.
So far as soloists go, the company misplaced Jeong Sewoon and most different artists didn’t launch any new materials.
There are rumors of a brand new group debut subsequent yr, and Starship might actually use the increase. Proper now, their roster is as small because it’s been in years and it doesn’t really feel like there’s all that a lot room to develop given their present scenario. This company has sometimes competed with the “huge 4,” and to maintain that risk alive they should discover one other monster hit (most probably from IVE) or a buzzworthy debut that will get the trade speaking.
What I’d prefer to see in 2025:
- A return to type for IVE
- A brand new boy group whose music is within the vein of previous Starship acts like Boyfriend or Sistar
Earlier years: 2023 // 2022 // 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017