#Japan #Tokyo #K-pop #LINE MUSIC #Kakao Entertainment

LINE MUSIC and Kakao Entertainment: A New Chapter for K-POP Artists

In a significant move for the K-POP industry, LINE MUSIC Corp. has announced its partnership with Kakao Entertainment Corp. to launch the K-POP Artist Chart (tentative name). This new global chart aims to unify K-POP fandom metrics across major music platforms in Asia, particularly focusing on the engaged listener bases in Japan, China, and South Korea.

For over 20 years, Melon—Kakao Entertainment's widely-used streaming service in South Korea—has been instrumental in driving the K-POP phenomenon. By linking their established platform with others across the region, the K-POP Artist Chart aims to provide a reliable and comprehensive reflection of the current K-POP scene, benefiting both artists and listeners.

With 99 million users in Japan, LINE MUSIC offers a unique ecosystem that integrates communication and music experiences. By joining forces with Kakao Entertainment, LINE MUSIC will ensure that data from Japanese listeners will be fairly represented in the new chart, providing artists with valuable insights into K-POP trends in one of Asia's most vibrant markets.

The K-POP Artist Chart is anticipated to launch in 2026, exclusively on Melon. As fan engagement continues to evolve, the chart will offer a new level of interaction for fans and artists alike, creating a more meaningful experience across the K-POP community. While details about the chart's structure and aggregation methods are yet to be announced, the initiative signifies a strategic commitment to enhancing fandom through collaboration.

This partnership aligns with LINE MUSIC's broader fan engagement strategy. The company is not only focused on revitalizing K-POP fandom but also plans to support Japanese artists in boosting their local engagement in the music scene. The introduction of this chart is expected to stimulate further interest in various genres, with a particular emphasis on J-POP alongside K-POP. As the music landscape continues to grow, this initiative exemplifies how technology can bridge gaps between artists and their audiences, fostering a stronger and more interactive community.

Ultimately, the collaboration serves as a foundational step towards a more unified approach to K-POP fandom in Asia, recognizing the immense value that each listener brings to the music ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates on the K-POP Artist Chart, as LINE MUSIC prepares to roll out exciting features aligned with its launch.