After looking at Ok-pop’s greatest companies, 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 companies, that is written from an outsider’s perspective. I’m not aware about any business-related monetary info past what every other fan would know. The aim of those articles is to look at how nicely these companies are serving their artists and the final Ok-pop fan-base.
MYSTIC STORY
Mystic Story is a brand new addition to this function as a result of they now have extra acts on their roster than a number of the different companies I write about! They’re making their identify as a unusual different to mainstream outfits and have moved additional into the idol market this yr.
Lucy proceed to chug alongside, steadily constructing a loyal fan base and touring the world. They promote nicely for a band and their most up-to-date album is their most profitable but. Nevertheless, the band has entered its period of navy enlistments so it stays to be seen what the subsequent few years appear like.
Mystic’s lady group Billlie hit a little bit of a snag this yr, with just one comeback (and a few Japanese work). It seems like they’ve misplaced some buzz since their debut, although health-related hiatuses could have contributed to this. The company additionally debuted new boy group ARrC this yr. Their future is an enormous query mark, with tons of potential however little motion for his or her first album. It’s nonetheless very early, although.
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RBW (RAINBOW BRIDGE WORLD)
RBW proceed to have a secure roster, not debuting any new teams in 2024. Mamamoo stay on hiatus as a gaggle, however every member is lively as a soloist and collectively they launched fairly a little bit of music this yr. This music was assorted in sound and scope, however sadly solely two the members are nonetheless signed with RBW as soloists. It is going to be fascinating to see in the event that they ever return as a four-piece.
Boy group ONEUS’s solely 2024 comeback was a canopy of a 2000 Fin.Ok.L hit. That’s a little bit of an odd selection, although they did the music justice. As an alternative of fixed promotions, RBW shipped them off to Street To Kingdom. Actually, they really feel a bit too seasoned for this present, making their participation an odd selection. I assume RBW hopes to capitalize on any buzz with a brand new album? In any other case, I’m unsure what the purpose was. Alternatively, their brother group ONEWE continues to see regular development regardless of comparatively sparse promotions. They appear content material with their core fan base moderately than reaching for enormous notoriety, and that’s effective.
Lady group Purple Kiss are struggling to discover a sound or idea that actually clicks. Their music stays stable, however they need to actually be promoting extra albums than they’re. Like ONEUS, it doesn’t really feel that RBW actually know what to do with them.
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WAKE ONE ENTERTAINMENT
Wake One is the go-to company for idol teams shaped on survival collection. Practically each artist on their roster spawns from a 101/Planet/I-LAND collection. However regardless of this inorganic strategy, the company has gotten higher at differentiating its acts.
ZEROBASEONE proceed to be a vivid spot. Their music has its personal perspective and the group launched a variety of it this yr. In between their two albums, they discovered time for OSTs and Japanese work. Gross sales slumped a bit, however they’re nonetheless nicely throughout the million sellers membership. That’s nothing to scoff at! ZB1’s particular person members are additionally booked and busy.
Kep1er had a transitional yr, releasing their ultimate album as a full group and re-configuring shortly after. Whereas it’s thrilling to see them proceed previous their preliminary contract, we’ll see the place their music goes from right here. Regardless of the member modifications, they really feel fairly secure commercially.
It’s nonetheless too early to guage new group Izna’s success, although they arrive with loads of industrial firepower behind them. I’m not but sensing the extent of pleasure I’d anticipated, however they solely debuted a couple of days in the past so I’m unsure we will draw any conclusions but.
Of the company’s solo acts, Jo Yuri stays most profitable as an actress. The Squid Sport sequel shall be out quickly, buoying her star energy even additional.
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