Kakao Entertainment has signed a strategic partnership with Warner's Atlantic Music Group (AMG) focused on creating and developing global K-pop IP.
The cross-border collaboration between the Korean distributor and the US label is designed to build a broader alliance that develops artists from the very early stages and supports them throughout their journey.
The two companies will form a new label partnership focused on K-pop’s global expansion, bringing together Kakao’s expertise across the genre's ecosystem with AMG’s global network and artist-development capabilities.
It will cover the full artist-development and promotion process, from song camps and featured collaborations through music distribution and digital marketing on streaming platforms and social media, as well as TV and radio appearances and fan engagement.
We have an exciting opportunity to build careers that resonate with fans all over the world
Elliot Grainge, Atlantic Music Group
The companies say that strategies will be tailored to each artist’s musical identity, stage of development and potential in international markets, with the aim of building and sustaining fanbases across North America and beyond.
“Kakao Entertainment has built an incredible track record of developing artists and connecting them with passionate audiences," said Elliot Grainge, chairman and CEO of AMG. "By combining Kakao's deep expertise in K-pop with Atlantic Music Group’s global reach and artist development capabilities, we have an exciting opportunity to build careers that resonate with fans all over the world.”
AMG operates labels including Atlantic Records, 10K Projects and 300 Entertainment, and is home to artists such as Bruno Mars, Charli xcx, Coldplay, Charlie Puth, Cardi B and Miley Cyrus.
We see this as an important step in our broader efforts to strengthen K-pop's global presence
Joseph Chang, Kakao
According to the announcement, Kakao will combine its expertise across the K-pop ecosystem – including music IP planning and production, distribution, artist management, marketing, and fan engagement – with AMG’s strengths in A&R, marketing, promotion, and its global network.
The two firms say they aim "to create synergies across every aspect of K-pop artists’ global activities".
"This partnership holds a special meaning because it brings together two companies – a leading entertainment company in Korea and a major music powerhouse in the US – with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to unlock new opportunities for K-pop artists and IP on a global scale," said Kakao co-CEO Joseph Chang. "By combining our expertise, networks, and market insights in K-pop, we aim to create new pathways for Korean artists to reach broader audiences and build lasting success in the global music market.
"We see this as an important step in our broader efforts to strengthen K-pop's global presence and deepen collaboration with industry partners around the world."
