Entertainment <\/p>\n
\n\tKakao Entertainment<\/a> America and Columbia Records<\/a> have partnered to co-manage K-pop girl group IVE, it was announced on Thursday (March 23).<\/p>\n \n\tThe collaboration is expected to boost IVE\u2019s presence in the North American market, with Columbia, a subsidiary of Sony Music, supporting their upcoming album, \u201cI\u2019ve IVE,\u201d due out April 10.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tColumbia will assist with global music distribution, local marketing, and promoting the album, which will begin with the pre-album release of the single \u201cKitsch,\u201d dropping March 27th.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tIVE is produced by Kakao Entertainment subsidiary, Starship Entertainment.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tColumbia\u2019s roster includes many popular artists, including Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus and Beyonc\u00e9.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThis partnership aims to expand Kakao Entertainment\u2019s music distribution network and elevate its position in the global market by leveraging Columbia Records\u2019 unparalleled expertise in the North American music business,\u201d reads a statement from Kakao released on Friday morning in Korea.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tSince their debut in 2021, IVE have steadily become one of K-pop\u2019s rising stars, with a trio of consecutive hit singles \u2014 \u201cEleven,\u201d \u201cLove Dive\u201d and \u201cAfter Like\u201d \u2014 which have resulted in numerous accolades and millions of albums sold. \u201cI\u2019ve IVE\u201d <\/em>is their first full-length album.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to be embarking on IVE\u2019s global journey with Columbia Records, a company with a rich history in pop music,\u201d said Joseph Chang, head of Kakao Entertainment America. \u201cThis partnership holds significant meaning for us. By strengthening the production and distribution capabilities of our music and artists in North America, we look forward to increasing the global competitiveness of Kakao Entertainment\u2019s music business.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe move comes shortly after Kakao Entertainment\u2019s public fight for control of historic K-pop company SM Entertainment, which is home to many popular Korean acts, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream, aespa, EXO, and many more.<\/p>\n \n\tKakao Entertainment, a subsidiary of South Korean tech giant Kakao, has grown in recent years, expanding its reach and publicly stating its intention to focus more on global audiences as Korean pop culture\u2019s presence has expanded internationally through the success of recent films, television shows, and musical acts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tIn recent years, both SM and Kakao have focused on creatively expanding IP related to K-pop talent. SM recently announced NCT 127 will feature in a graphic novel, \u201cLimitless.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tAlong with IVE, Kakao Entertainment\u2019s talent under a variety of subsidiaries are expected to also look to international markets. Other popular K-pop acts, including Monsta X and IU, are also under the Kakao banner.<\/p>\n \n\tPer the announcement: \u201cWith Kakao Entertainment America as the center of the operation, the company plans to implement a comprehensive management system to support its artists\u2019 overseas tours, promotions, and album releases in partnership with leading global entertainment companies, and seek diverse collaboration to expand its music investment and distribution businesses.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n