Earlier than I take a short have a look at lots of Okay-pop’s smaller businesses, there are a couple 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 typical, the ideas under are my very own and aren’t aware about any insider data. The aim of those articles is to find out how effectively Okay-pop businesses are serving their artists and followers. There might 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 yr’s KCON LA (a rarity for artists on their roster). They have 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 prepared to (bulk?) purchase.
In terms 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 yr as an actor with Jangjun is throughout selection.
The Dangerous
To be sincere, Woollim barely appears 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 on the whole. That is the primary yr since debut that Golden Baby haven’t launched new music, making me marvel in the event that they’ll really 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 occurring with them, musically.
In the meantime, woman group Rocket Punch feels all however completed. Standard member Juri left the company this spring and the group hasn’t had a comeback in fourteen months. Even earlier than that, gross sales have 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 yr’s single album was her worst performing but and the company appears to lack ambition in the case of selling her profession as a musician.
Whereas the Lovelyz reunion was a pleasant deal with for longtime followers, Woollim dropped the ball in the case of promotion. Their new track 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. Previously, at the least we had glorious music even when promotions have been missing. Now, with out an identifiable sound or in-house producer, even that feels up within the air. The company will all the time 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 kind.
What I’d wish to see in 2025:
- Musical exercise. Do one thing together 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
