Earlier than I take a short have a look at a lot of Okay-pop’s smaller companies, there are just a few that I’ve extra to say about. Contemplate these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “huge 4” however longer than a paragraph or two may cowl.
As ordinary, the ideas under are my very own and aren’t aware about any insider info. The aim of those articles is to find out how nicely Okay-pop companies are serving their artists and followers. There will likely 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 12 months’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 suppose it is a signal of widespread success for the group, however they clearly have a passionate fan base that’s keen to (bulk?) purchase.
In the case of Woollim’s extra seasoned acts, the company managed to coordinate a Lovelyz reunion/live performance and stored seven tenths of Golden Baby on their roster after contract negotiations. Golcha’s Jaehyun loved a profitable 12 months as an actor with Jangjun is throughout selection.
The Dangerous
To be trustworthy, Woollim barely appears like an energetic 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 usually. That is the primary 12 months since debut that Golden Baby haven’t launched new music, making me marvel in the event that they’ll really be energetic after renewing their contracts. As a fan, I don’t blame a number of the members for leaving. There’s simply not a lot happening with them, musically.
In the meantime, lady group Rocket Punch feels all however accomplished. Widespread 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 well-liked identify on the pageant circuit, her music has additionally stalled. This 12 months’s single album was her worst performing but and the company appears to lack ambition in relation to selling her profession as a musician.
Whereas the Lovelyz reunion was a pleasant deal with for longtime followers, Woollim dropped the ball in relation to promotion. Their new music didn’t even obtain a correct music video and got here and went with out a lot fanfare.
Total, it’s getting more durable and more durable to see how Woollim Leisure turns its trajectory round. Previously, not less than we had wonderful 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 at all times 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 prefer to see in 2025:
- Musical exercise. Do one thing along 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