Earlier than I take a quick take a look at a lot of Okay-pop’s smaller businesses, there are a number of that I’ve extra to say about. Take into account these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “massive 4” however longer than a paragraph or two may cowl.
As common, the ideas under are my very own and aren’t aware about 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 had been rewarded with the group’s finest album gross sales but. I don’t assume this can be a signal of widespread success for the group, however they clearly have a passionate fan base that’s keen to (bulk?) purchase.
On the subject of Woollim’s extra seasoned acts, the company managed to coordinate a Lovelyz reunion/live performance and saved seven tenths of Golden Baby 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 trustworthy, Woollim barely looks like an lively 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 Baby haven’t launched new music, making me surprise in the event that they’ll truly be lively 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, woman group Rocket Punch feels all however accomplished. Fashionable member Juri left the company this spring and the group hasn’t had a comeback in fourteen months. Even earlier than that, gross sales had 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 preferred title on the pageant circuit, her music has additionally stalled. This 12 months’s single album was her worst performing but and the company appears to lack ambition in terms of selling her profession as a musician.
Whereas the Lovelyz reunion was a pleasant deal with for longtime followers, Woollim dropped the ball in terms of promotion. Their new tune didn’t even obtain a correct music video and got here and went with out a lot fanfare.
General, it’s getting tougher and tougher to see how Woollim Leisure turns its trajectory round. Up to now, no less than we had glorious music even when promotions had 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 type.
What I’d prefer to see in 2025:
- Musical exercise. Do one thing along with your artists!
- A Golden Baby 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