Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment are launching an unstoppable solo debut campaign for their artists. From MONSTA X's Shownu to EXO, NCT's Taeyong, and NCT DREAM, Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment artists are making remarkable strides. Kakao and Kakao Entertainment (hereafter referred to as Kakao Entertainment) have secured approximately 39.9% of SM Entertainment (hereafter referred to as SM) through public stock acquisition, becoming the largest shareholder. As Kakao Entertainment embraces SM, it is expected to expand various content industries, including music, beyond the domestic market and into the global market. In the midst of this, the relay of activities by the affiliated artists is anything but ordinary.
Kakao Entertainment has music labels such as Starship Entertainment (hereafter referred to as Starship), IST Entertainment, and EDAM Entertainment (hereafter referred to as EDAM) under its umbrella. In the first half of this year, girl groups like aespa and IVE have been particularly active. In particular, after SM announced the start of "SM 3.0," aespa made a remarkable comeback with their song "My World," breaking the first-day sales records for K-pop girl groups and SM artists.
MONSTA X's Shownu has made his solo debut for the first time since his debut in 2015. Last month, after 8 years since his debut, he released his first solo album called "Lights," showcasing his charms as a rapper, producer, and songwriter that he has cultivated through group activities.
K.Will, the "eldest brother" of Starship, is actively engaged in various fields, including not only albums but also musicals. He held a nationwide tour called "Here and Now" for the first time in three years from October to December last year, proving his enduring popularity. In addition, on the occasion of his recent 16th debut anniversary, K.Will surpassed a cumulative streaming count of approximately 1.93 billion on the leading domestic music site Melon, with the songs he has released over the years.
Written by Kim No EulTranslated by Lee So Yun