Disclaimer: As with my write-ups on Ok-Pop’s largest businesses, that is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not aware about any business-related monetary info past what another fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how effectively these businesses are serving their artists and the overall Ok-pop fan-base.

Should you’re curious to learn my ideas on these businesses from final yr, click on right here for half one and right here for half two!

Model New Music

Model New Music has carved out a distinct segment and principally sticks with that. They’ve a ton of soloists on their roster, however idol teams AB6IX and YOUNITE are of most curiosity to this weblog. Neither artist launched any music I thought of memorable in 2023, however their gross sales are regular (even rising) and AB6IX was capable of embark on a global tour this yr. It’s a disgrace about BDC’s dissolvement, since they’d essentially the most distinctive sound among the many company’s acts. General, Model New Music appears content material to be a mid-level entity. I’d wish to see them be extra bold in 2024.

C-

Dice Leisure

Dice Leisure is considered one of many Ok-pop businesses with one massively profitable act that buoys the whole firm. For them, that act is (G)I-DLE, they usually continued to be massively profitable this yr. This included Korean and world group work in addition to solo tasks. With all this focus, youthful lady group LIGHTSUM continues to get the brief finish of the stick.

In the meantime, Dice’s most senior act BTOB are formally finished with the company. Pentagon don’t appear to far behind, with some members leaving Dice (together with chief Hui following his stint on Boys Planet). Given these developments, the company actually must spend money on their new upcoming boy group. Proper now, it seems like they’re one (G)I-DLE misstep away from peril.

C-

DSP Media

I embody DSP Media on this round-up primarily for nostalgia’s sake. They haven’t been dominant because the days of Kara and SS501, they usually continued to wrestle in 2023. No matter they might do (which is generally little or no…), their artists have a tough time getting off the bottom. Mirae’s rare comebacks proceed to sputter, KARD’s success appears largely targeted in Latin and South America (an expansive music market, for positive!) and new group Younger Posse polarized opinion as quickly as they debuted.

D

FNC Leisure

FNC’s lively roster of idol teams tends to skew male, although members of Cherry Bullet had a pleasant little enhance from participation on Queendom Puzzle. SF9 had a transitional yr, shedding common member Rowoon (although he stays with the company as an actor). P1Harmony appear largely targeted on world markets, spending fairly a little bit of time and focus exterior Korea. New group AMPERS&ONE simply debuted the opposite day, however already really feel like a breath of recent air. With built-in Boys Planet notoriety on their aspect, they need to do effectively.

On the rock band aspect of issues, older teams FTIsland and CNBLUE every launched new music and NFlying did some duo work. New band Hello-Fi Un!corn additionally debuted with a heavy concentrate on the Japanese market. General, the company feels steady even with the modifications 2023 introduced.

B-

IST Leisure

IST continues to be buoyed by The Boyz. They’d a powerful yr musically, although gross sales had been down a bit. In the meantime, Weeekly lastly made their long-awaited return with a sound that continues to vary yr by yr. Their gross sales are fairly steady, although they’re nonetheless ready for that huge breakout that may push them up a tier in recognition. Rookie group ATBO are additionally promoting decently, however they haven’t but established a sound or area of interest that may assist them stand out on this crowded market. Veteran group Apink plan to be lively sooner or later, however most members left IST this yr so it’s unclear precisely how that may find yourself working.

B-

Jellyfish Leisure

Jellyfish hitched their wagon to the Boys Planet prepare this yr, managing spin-off group Evnne. They’re not technically a Jellyfish group since particular person members nonetheless belong to their respective businesses, so I’m unsure how a lot Jellyfish advantages financially. Nonetheless, they want a vivid spot on their roster. VERIVERY proceed to play to a devoted fanbase, however their member configuration is all the time in flux. I fear for his or her future. VIXX is one other group who’re working at decreased capability, coming again as a trio this month. Fortunately, soloist Kim Sejeong continues to be booked and busy.

C-

KQ Leisure

2023 was a yr of development for KQ, augmenting their unimaginable success with ATEEZ with newly-debuted group xikers. They’ve efficiently transposed the ATEEZ formulation onto these rookies and that strategy has paid off with a pair of hit albums and an enthusiastic fanbase. In the meantime, ATEEZ continued their run as million sellers with out wildly altering their sound or picture. KQ has found the formulation and stays laser-focused on delivering what their followers need. I’m wondering if they will attain exterior that (admittedly enormous) area of interest and rating successful that may enchantment to the overall listening public?

B+

Partly two, I’ll check out MLD, P Nation, RBW, WakeOne, WM and Yuehua. Will there be any “A” graded businesses this yr?