According to the media, since the beginning of the year, major entertainment companies in Korea have been active, announcing plans for the new year of artists under the company as well as releasing new music groups.
For example, YG Entertainment is currently preparing to introduce 2 rookie girl groups to fill the void left by Blackpink.
In particular, the debut of these groups is receiving significant attention as CEO Yang Hyun Suk and producer Teddy of The Black Label (YG's affiliate company), each of whom launched their own rookie girl group, setting the stage for an internal competition.
For Yang Hyun Suk, after debuting Baby Monster in November 2023, the company announced a joint audition with Avex (a Japanese entertainment company) to seek and nurture talents for the music industry.
The audition will be held in seven major cities in Japan, including Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Okinawa. Candidates born between 2003 and 2013, regardless of gender or nationality, can register online from March 13.2-10.
Through this audition, YG's goal is to debut a rookie group by the end of 2024, with the expectation of continuing the achievements that Blackpink and Baby Monster have done before.
Meanwhile, Teddy is also expected to debut a rookie girl group in the first half of the year. Although the group's name has not been revealed, it has received attention because of Annie Moon (grandson of the Chairman of Shinsegae Group) - who is expected to debut under The Black Label.
With HYBE - the company known as the "home of girl groups" - will also launch rookie group I'LL-IT to continue the success of the 4th generation girl group NewJeans and Le Sserafim.
I'LL-IT was chosen through the survival show "RU Next?" of JTBC last September, with members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha. The group is currently preparing to debut in March.
Despite facing storms due to the departure of the member who is considered a "trump card" - Yeong Seo, I'LL-IT is still determined to show a complete image as a 5-member group.
Naver added that along with the debut of new rookie groups in Korea, the confrontation between "localized K-pop groups" of major companies is also of interest.
As JYP Entertainment - a company famous for its rapid localization strategy among Korean entertainment companies, launched the Japanese girl group NiziU and most recently VCHA earlier this year.
VCHA released their first single "Girls of the Year" in January, a 6-member girl group, formed through an audition for "A2K" with Republic Records (USA).
The group consists of 4 Americans, one Canadian and one Korean American. Previously, the group's first live broadcast in English also attracted the attention of Kpop fans around the world.
Meanwhile, HYBE President - Bang Si Hyuk, is also introducing a new girl group for the US market.
Through the first global project "The Debut: Dream Academy", KATSEYE was established with 6 members from 4 countries. Of which, only one member is Korean.
The group's debut date and schedule will be revealed soon, expected to attract a lot of attention in the US market.
