After looking 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 info past what another fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how properly these companies are serving their artists and the overall Okay-pop fan-base.
FNC ENTERTAINMENT
Weirdly sufficient, FNC Leisure has minimize lady teams and feminine soloists out of its music roster solely, forsaking some bands and male idol acts. From the company that when dominated with AOA, I discover this a little bit stunning. Possibly they’re simply attempting to concentrate on one particular factor and try 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 may stand to present 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, that 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 had been much less lively. None of those acts appear to be driving the trade in the meanwhile, although that’s to be anticipated. I’m to see how the company’s youngest band Hello-Fi Un!corn proceed to develop. So far, their work appears to have fallen into the uninteresting (however profitable) world of J-drama OSTs.
C+
IST ENTERTAINMENT
IST has continuously 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 do not 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 how. A sprawling world tour saved 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 Street to Kingdom – a wierd choice when you’re an company attempting to present your artists a definite id. I suppose there’s nonetheless time for ATBO to duplicate The Boyz’ success, however I type of really feel like that ship has sailed. I’d be pleased to be confirmed improper!
In the meantime, it looks like Victon is destined for disbandment. Solely two members stay with the company, and as of now that’s solely a technicality due to navy 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.
D-
KQ ENTERTAINMENT
KQ has the advantage of a small, profitable roster. They’re capable of put all their consideration into ATEEZ and xikers, making certain sufficient promotion and content material to maintain momentum going. I believe that is sensible, and the company appears to know what it’s doing.
Whereas I haven’t liked an ATEEZ tune in years, the group has clearly grow to be a pressure within the trade. KQ continues to steadiness 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 development you may count on from a rookie of their caliber. Nevertheless, KQ is actively pushing them in numerous markets, together with a Japanese debut. I believe they’ll be simply effective, however the group wants an enormous second to interrupt out with most people. Musically, I’d prefer to see them start to distinguish themselves from ATEEZ.
B