Earlier than I take a quick take a look at lots of Ok-pop’s smaller businesses, there are just a few that I’ve extra to say about. Contemplate these “bonus” write-ups — shorter than the “massive 4” however longer than a paragraph or two may cowl.
As regular, the ideas are my very own and aren’t aware of any insider info. The aim of those articles is to find out how effectively Ok-pop businesses are serving their artists and followers. Due to the timing of this put up, I’ll be together with the previous couple of weeks of 2021 as a part of my evaluation.
The Good
It’s humorous to consider being biased towards a complete company, however that’s one of many quirks with Ok-pop. Companies are inclined to have their very own musical preferences – extra like a boutique than an organization. Woollim Leisure has been my company of selection for years as a result of the music they launch is so persistently good. Clearly, style in music is subjective. However, if seems like Woollim’s A&R workforce is commonly studying my thoughts (or perhaps this weblog!). They provide us such an amazing mixture of the outdated and the brand new, the stylish and the timeless.
2022 was a banner 12 months for Woollim’s output. All their acts shined, even when some launched extra music than others. DRIPPIN got here into their very own with a powerful, cohesive trilogy. Rocket Punch delivered their finest single but and Kwon Eunbi developed her sound as a soloist. Golden Youngster didn’t launch as a lot materials as their company friends, however their one 2022 mini album occurred to be among the many strongest of their profession.
For a smaller company, Woollim has a relatively giant roster. But, they have been capable of give all their artists time to shine this 12 months. The truth is, most had a number of comebacks. Among the greater businesses can’t appear to handle this, and given Woollim’s struggles with promotion I’m truly impressed how regular their launch schedule was in 2022. They continued to be nice at matching producers with artists, forging multi-comeback partnerships that assist outline every act’s sound.
As a fan, I used to be comfortable to see Golden Youngster tour North America this 12 months, even when it probably got here on the expense of additional comebacks. Hopefully, the company continues to foster connections with worldwide followers. I’m positive that might assist enhance album gross sales as effectively. On the flipside, I like how targeted Woollim have all the time been on the Korean market. A member like Jangjun might not be as well-known to international followers, however his comedian-like enchantment appears to be a permanent presence on Ok-variety.
The Dangerous
Woollim’s drawbacks are well-known, they usually’ve been fairly regular for years. The company struggles with promotion, whether or not that be communication/transparency with followers or pre-order intervals and teasers that assist an album debut with robust numbers. They don’t typically boast the massive gross sales that different businesses do, regardless of releasing way more constant music. I’m positive this is because of their measurement and business affect, however I’d nonetheless prefer to see them attempt new ways in 2023.
The company has additionally developed an issue sustaining their legacy artists. All of Infinite and most of Lovelyz have left Woollim, and that’s a disgrace. It’s loopy to suppose that Golden Youngster, who debuted in 2017, at the moment are the oldest act within the company.
On the promotion entrance, I feel Woollim may delve deeper into Ok-dramas. They’ve acquired a pure star in Bomin, however touring (and an unlucky accident) took him off the desk in 2022. I’d like to see extra drama roles for Woollim artists. I feel this can be a large untapped potential for them.
Lastly, Woollim’s Japanese releases have left a lot to be desired. I’m unsure what degree of management (if any) they’ve over these songs, however listening to them is like experiencing an alternate universe the place these great artists joined a subpar, generic company. We have to get again to the times of Dilemma and DNA!
What I’d prefer to see in 2023:
- A couple of comeback from Golden Youngster
- Convey Sweetune again into the fold. You’ve a shared historical past! They’re a part of your model!
- Extra effort in home and worldwide promotions
Earlier years: 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017
