Our weekly tech round-up from the world of ticketing and associated industries… Protecting K-pop K-pop agency SM Entertainment has launched a new reporting website called ‘KWANGYA 119’ to help protect the rights and interests of SM artists. The platform will function as a messaging board where fans can report issues surrounding defamation, fake news, copyright …
K-pop’s Hybe agency targets $380m for global M&A push
South Korean K-pop giant Hybe is reportedly seeking $380m in new finance as it targets an M&A drive in the Americas. The entertainment group, which has spearheaded BTS’s global success and owns the Ariana Grande label Ithaca Holdings, is in talks with investors to secure “equity financing” worth the equivalent of 500 billion won to …
K-pop group Aespa to embark on first global tour
K-pop group Aespa have announced their first global tour ‘Synk: Hyper Line’, produced by live entertainment company Live Nation. There will be stops in the US, Latin America and Europe, with the tour kicking off on August 13 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Further stops in the US include Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Washington DC, Chicago, …
Color Star Technology reveals K-pop group support
Color Star Technology, an entertainment technology company that aids the application of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry, is set to sponsor two of XODIAC’s audio-visual experiences in the UK and the Netherlands. XODIAC is a new K-pop group that consists of nine members, which is set to make their debut in …
Busan and Live Nation announce arena and entertainment complex
Entertainment giant Live Nation and Korea’s Busan Metropolitan City have revealed plans to develop an arena and multi-cultural entertainment complex in Busan. The city is South Korea’s second most populous city after capital Seoul and the new entertainment destination will include a 20,000-capacity arena, an exhibition centre, hotels and an educational facility. There are three …
Hybe to sell SM Entertainment stake to Kakao
South Korean music label Hybe, which manages K-pop boy band BTS, has said it aims to sell its entire stake in entertainment company SM Entertainment, by accepting a tender offer from South Korean internet giant Kakao. According to a report from Reuters, Hybe will sell its 15.8% stake in SM Entertainment for 564 billion won …
Europe is K-pop’s fastest growing market – report
Europe is K-pop’s fastest growing market, according to a new report. While countries in Asia and Oceania were still the predominant market for Korean pop culture content, otherwise known as ‘hallyu’, Europe has seen a 37% increase in K-pop fans compared to the year before. According to non-profit organisation Korea Foundation’s Global Hallyu report, which …
SM Entertainment offers support for Kakao tender offer
K-Pop agency SM Entertainment has revealed its support for a tender offer submitted by South Korean internet giant Kakao, which would see the company hold a 35% stake in SM. Yesterday (Tuesday) Kakao announced a tender offer to buy up to 35% of the company for 150,000 South Korean won (£96/€108/$114) per share. Kakao already …
Ticketmaster cancels remaining sales for US leg of BTS member Suga’s solo tour
Ticketmaster has cancelled the general Verified Fan presale and general onsale for the US leg of BTS member Suga’s solo tour in April and May, due to the level of demand during the first presale. The Live Nation-owned ticketing platform announced yesterday (Thursday) that “due to extremely high demand during today’s Army Member Presale, there …
Backstage round-up: Asia touring news
A number of artists have announced dates across Asia including K-pop girl group IVE, British band The 1975 and K-pop boy group NCT Dream. IVE are set to embark on an Asia tour later this year, and will visit several cities including Manila, Taipei, Singapore and Bangkok, as well as their upcoming dates in Japan. …