Kakao Entertainment is making waves in the global music scene with its lineup of new artists, and its subsidiary Starship Entertainment is gearing up for a major global expansion overhaul.
In an official press release on February 14, Kakao Entertainment announced its latest strategy to broaden its reach in the music industry. The company highlighted the success of previous world tours featuring top artists like IU and IVE and revealed its forthcoming roster additions. Among the exciting newcomers are KiiiKiii from Starship Entertainment, a rookie girl group, and dearALICE, a boy group based in the UK co-launched by Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment's North American joint venture. With a focus on building a robust support system and collaborating with key partners, Kakao Entertainment seeks to secure top-tier intellectual properties that resonate globally, solidifying its stature as a major player in the realm of K-pop.
Starship Entertainment is making bold moves as well, unveiling plans for the debut of its latest girl group, KiiiKiii. This debut is a milestone for the label, marking its first girl group launch since the successful debut of IVE in 2021. KiiiKiii aims to engage fans through an authentic narrative approach on social media, embodying the distinct aesthetics of Gen Z. By organizing its operations into three divisions—featuring artists like K.Will, MONSTA X, WJSN, and CRAVITY—Starship Entertainment is committed to nurturing individual artist identities while fostering collaborative opportunities for expansion both at home and abroad.
Furthermore, SM Entertainment, a strategic partner of Kakao Entertainment, is introducing its own roster of fresh talents. Hearts2Hearts, an eight-member girl group, is set to make their official debut on February 24 with the release of their debut single, 'The Chase.' On the other hand, the anticipation is already high for SMTR25, a male trainee group slated to participate in SMTOWN LIVE's global tour later this year, showcasing their potential on an international stage.
A spokesperson for Kakao Entertainment emphasized the company's dedication to spotlighting emerging talents in diverse music genres on a global scale. By amplifying the global reach of established artists and promoting promising newcomers, Kakao Entertainment aims to enrich the music industry landscape with a vibrant spectrum of K-pop genres, reinforcing its global presence and influence.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on KiiiKiii and their rumored member Jiyu as international fans share their thoughts on the group's youthful appearance ahead of their debut.