The Economics of Okay-pop – Half 5: SM Leisure – Music Enterprise Analysis

The Economics of Okay-pop – Half 5: SM Leisure – Music Enterprise Analysis


We now have already regarded on the 4 main Okay-pop companies within the earlier weblog posts. Three of them – the so-called “Large Three” – have been based within the mid-Nineteen Nineties. Large Hit Leisure adopted in 2005 and rose to grow to be the market chief due to BTS. Within the subsequent 4 weblog posts, we’ll now look behind the scenes at these companies to realize a greater understanding of the financial system behind Okay-pop. Partly 5 we begin with SM Leisure.

The Economics of Okay-pop – Half 5: SM Leisure

The financial rise of SM Leisure

SM Leisure and its founder Lee Soo-man are the true innovators behind the Okay-pop manufacturing system. SM Leisure solid youngsters modelled on the US boy and woman teams of the Nineteen Nineties, skilled them extensively by means of a rigorous, multi-year trainee programme, and positioned them in the marketplace as a particular model. This idea proved to be an enormous industrial success. As early as 2000, SM Leisure was in a position to go public in South Korea and has been listed on the KOSDAQ know-how index ever since.[1] With contemporary capital, SM was in a position to start its growth within the Southeast Asian area. As early as January 2001, a three way partnership was established with the Japanese indie label Avex Trax, which not solely noticed the primary Okay-pop solo artist, BoA, marketed on the Japanese market, but in addition led to the founding of SM Leisure Japan, the corporate’s first abroad department, through which the Japanese TV manufacturing firm Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co. additionally held a stake.[2]

The beginning of the second technology of Okay-pop artists in 2003 was additionally formed by SM Leisure with acts such because the boy band SHINee and the woman teams Ladies’ Technology and f(x).[3] Essentially the most vital facet of the second technology of Okay-pop was its growth into neighbouring Asian international locations. SM Leisure was already energetic in Japan, and in 2008 China was to comply with swimsuit with the launch of the boy band Tremendous Junior-M, a Mandarin-speaking sub-group of the Korean group Tremendous Junior, who made their debut look on the Chinese language Music Awards in April 2008, performing the music “U” from their debut album “Me”.[4] This established Chinese language-language Okay-pop in China and paved the way in which for additional productions.

This idea of splitting a supergroup into Korean- and Chinese language-speaking sub-groups was additionally utilized in 2012 to the 12-member boy band EXO, which was positioned as EXO-Okay (Okay stands for Korean) and EXO-M (M stands for Mandarin) on the Korean and Chinese language markets, respectively, and have been promoted individually.[5] This progressive advertising idea, developed by SM founder Lee Soo-man, was additionally an enormous industrial success and was copied by different Okay-pop firms.[6]

In 2016, SM Leisure broke new floor with the creation of the boy band NCT, an acronym for Neo Tradition Know-how. The fundamental thought was to create a super-group with an infinite variety of members, which may very well be divided into sub-groups as required and tailored to the wants of various markets. Particularly, NCT U[7] was launched to the general public in April, NCT 127[8] in July, and NCT Dream[9] in August, every with their respective debut releases. The goal of this new technique was to tailor the completely different boy bands to market situations and thus higher attain followers. SM Leisure founder Lee Soo-man developed this new technique himself and offered it to the general public in January 2016 throughout a presentation in Seoul entitled “SMTOWN: New Tradition Know-how 2016”.[10]

New technique and energy struggles behind the scenes

This mirrored SM Leisure’s new strategic route. The corporate was to be energetic not solely in Okay-pop manufacturing, but in addition in all areas of worth creation surrounding the popular culture phenomenon. On 3 February 2023, a video entitled “SM 3.0: Producing Technique Multi ‘Manufacturing Centre/Label’ System” was revealed on YouTube, through which the 2 new CEOs, Lee Sung-soo and Tak Younger-jun, dressed correctly in fits and ties and seated at a desk in entrance of an uncovered brick wall, introduced with a bow that the earlier music manufacturing system, which had been totally tailor-made to SM founder Lee Soo-man, was to get replaced by a brand new system that includes numerous manufacturing groups, some working in-house and others introduced in from exterior.[11] Nonetheless, this multi-production centre, which the 2 CEOs offered, was only one cornerstone of the brand new technique. As well as, additional in-house labels have been to be established and collaboration with exterior labels strengthened internationally. Central to the plan, nevertheless, was the institution of the corporate’s personal music publishing arm, which was meant to bundle music rights extra successfully and monetise them extra efficiently.[12]

Nonetheless, SM Leisure’s strategic reorientation will also be interpreted as a direct assault on Lee Soo-man, who, regardless of stepping down from the board, sought to retain inventive management inside the group in his function as government producer. Though the 2 CEOs highlighted the SM founder’s achievements within the video, the brand new “SM 3.0” technique subtly sidelined him from the inventive manufacturing processes and in the end from the corporate itself.

Lee Soo-man‘s response got here rapidly. On 6 February 2023, simply 5 days after the YouTube video was launched, it was introduced that Hybe Company, SM Leisure’s foremost rival, had acquired a 14.8 per cent stake within the firm for the equal of US $334 million.[13] This primary step in the direction of a hostile takeover had solely been attainable as a result of Lee Soo-man had bought a big portion of his stake in SM to Hybe.[14] Nonetheless, two days earlier, in settlement with SM, South Korea’s largest leisure group, Kakao, had acquired a 9.04 per cent stake in SM for US $172.8 million, thereby turning into the corporate’s second-largest shareholder.[15] Simply someday later, Lee Soo-man filed an injunction in opposition to SM Leisure over the difficulty of latest shares and convertible bonds in favour of Kakao, stating that the deal had been concluded with out his consent as the most important shareholder and was due to this fact “unlawful”.[16]

Hybe’s acquisition triggered a bidding battle that might decide the destiny of SM Leisure. Initially, SM and Kakao have been at a drawback as a result of, on 3 March 2023, a court docket had issued an injunction in opposition to the deal between Kakao and SM.[17] Kakao then went on the offensive and made a proposal to shareholders to buy 35 per cent of the corporate’s shares for US $966 million, thereby rising its stake to 39.87 per cent.[18] Surprisingly, on 24 March 2023, Hybe withdrew from the bidding battle, arguing that it didn’t wish to harm shareholder worth, and introduced its intention to promote its stake in SM to Kakao.[19] On 28 March 2023, Kakao fulfilled its announcement and bought 35 per cent of SM’s shares. Hybe then bought half of its stake in SM to Kakao, retaining an 8.81 per cent stake within the firm,[20] which have been ultimately bought to the Chinese language leisure group Tencent on 30 Might 2025 for round US $180 million.[21] This made Tencent the second influential co-owner of the Okay-pop group, following the e-commerce large Alibaba, which had already acquired a 4 per cent minority stake in SM Leisure in February 2016.[22]

The reason for why Hybe withdrew from the bidding battle is straightforward: by means of this manoeuvre, SM founder Lee Soo-man had secured his reinstatement as head of the A&R division at SM Leisure, thereby regaining inventive management over the manufacturing course of.[23] The 2 younger CEOs who had staged the revolt, nevertheless, have been changed by the chief monetary officer, Jang Cheol-hyuk,[24] which was now tasked with implementing the “SM 3.0” technique. As a primary step, Kreation Music Rights was established in August 2023 as an in-house music publishing division.[25] The day earlier than, a brand new abroad department – SMKEA – was additionally established within the US in collaboration with Kakao.[26] The Okay-pop group thus continued the worldwide growth it had been pursuing for years, which, along with branches in Japan, China and Singapore, now additionally included a department in North America.

The enterprise efficiency of SM Leisure

An evaluation of SM Leisure’s organisational construction reveals that the group will not be a conventional main music label primarily based on the Western mannequin, however reasonably an built-in leisure conglomerate that developed from a Okay-pop artist company. The 2021 annual report signifies that SM Leisure had 37 affiliated firms, six of which have been listed on the inventory alternate. As well as, SM Leisure held shares in an extra 19 firms,[27] numerous content material manufacturing firms (TV, radio, theatre, software program, print, digital actuality, and many others.), in addition to branding and promoting companies, an architectural agency and a property developer, and a enterprise capital agency; it even operates a sequence of comfort shops to monetise the manufacturers of the Okay-pop stars beneath contract. SM Leisure thus recognised the worth of built-in advertising of all sorts of rights at an early stage and can also be represented internationally with branches in Japan, South-East Asia, the USA and Sweden.

Determine 1: Income, value and revenue traits at SM Leisure Group, 2014-2024

Supply: After SM Leisure Enterprise Stories 2019-2021 (translated with DeepL) and SM Leisure quarterly stories 2021-2024 (in English)

SM Leisure’s progress in recent times can also be mirrored within the group’s income efficiency. As proven in fig. 1, there was a pointy rise in income in 2018, primarily because of the acquisition of stakes in several firms, which subsequently led to the formation of the SM Life Design Group. The combination of SM Tradition & Content material Co. Ltd. into the group’s constructions, which was accomplished on the finish of 2017, has additionally boosted turnover.[28] The non permanent decline in gross sales in 2020 was because of the impression of the COVID-19 pandemic, which precipitated revenues from the live performance section specifically to plummet. This made the following rise in gross sales all of the extra dramatic. The live performance enterprise recovered in 2022, however contributed solely KRW 23 billion to whole income of KRW 851 billion. It was not till 2023 and 2024 that the live performance division regained momentum, with income of KRW 77 billion and KRW 123 billion respectively. A pointy improve of 155 per cent between 2021 and 2024 was recorded within the merchandising and licensing enterprise, which in 2024 contributed KRW 169 billion extra to whole income than the live performance section.

Nonetheless, speedy progress and diversification into different sectors have additionally led to a rise in expenditure (see fig. 5.4). Between 2017 and 2024, whole expenditure grew by 155 per cent from KRW 354 billion to KRW 902 billion, primarily as a result of rising value of gross sales, which in 2024 have been 174 per cent larger than in 2021. Advertising and marketing and overhead prices have additionally doubled throughout this era. The primary value drivers listed here are personnel bills. Between 2019 and 2024 alone, the variety of staff in full-time equivalents rose from 493 to 723.[29]

This additionally had an impression on revenue efficiency (see fig. 1). Though revenue from working actions rose to KRW 114 billion in 2023 following a decline within the coronavirus yr of 2020, however in 2024 there was a 23 per cent decline in earnings, which pushed internet revenue all the way down to virtually zero, primarily as a result of losses at related firms, notably at SM Tradition & Content material Co.[30]

This highlights the vulnerability of SM Leisure, which has grown quickly in recent times and is struggling to combine the acquired firms and investments into the group construction. The “SM 3.0” technique talked about earlier is meant to assist with this, with all enterprise divisions being oriented in the direction of the creation of cultural values. The goal is to create a unifying framework for the very various enterprise divisions. As advantageous as SM Leisure’s broad vary of choices is, integrating them is equally troublesome. The corporate’s future success will due to this fact rely closely on whether or not it succeeds in higher integrating the varied elements of the enterprise and focusing them on a standard aim.


Endnotes

[1] Yang, Hong-mo. 2000. Garosu.com and 4 different firms start buying and selling on KOSDAQ on the 27th. Naver Information, 25 April. https://n.information.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0000210471?sid=101. Translated with DeepL. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[2] Gil, Deok. 2001. SM Leisure “Concentrating on the World Music Album and Music Video Market”. Naver Information, 7 March. https://n.information.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0000345241?sid=102. Translated with DeepL. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[3] See for instance Atkin. Okay-Pop. p 28

[4] Garcia, Cathy Rose A. 2008. Tremendous Junior-M Debuts in China. The Korea Occasions, 8 April. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/way of life/people-events/20080408/super-junior-m-debuts-in-china. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[5] Seabrook, John. 2012. Manufacturing unit Ladies. The New Yorker, 1 October. https://www.newyorker.com/journal/2012/10/08/factory-girls-2. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[6] Ibid.

[7] Bahk, Eun-ji. 2016. SM’s new Okay-pop band NCT U to debut this week. The Korea Occasions, 4 April. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/leisure/shows-dramas/20160404/sms-new-k-pop-band-nct-u-to-debut-this-week. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[8] Ang, Estee. 2016. (UPDATE) #NCT127: SM Leisure Unveils Members Of New NCT Sub-Unit. Hybe, 4 July. https://hype.my/nct127-sm-entertainment-unveils-members-of-new-nct-sub-unit/. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[9] Moon Wan-sik. 2016. NCT DREAM to debut their first single “Chewing Gum” on “M Countdown” on the 25th. Star Information, 19 August. https://m.entertain.naver.com/now/article/108/0002548916. Translated with DeepL. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[10] Jung, Min-kyung. 2016. SM Leisure’s subsequent boy band to have ‘limitless’ members. The Korea Herald, 27 January. https://www.kpopherald.com/article/834265. Accessed 28 Jan 2026

[11] SMTown. 2023. SM 3.0: Producing Technique – Multi ‘Manufacturing Middle/Label’ System. YouTube, 3 February. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4WSs3ebprw&checklist=PL_ndMPzmGNt3v3RUs1K20LOyG8oec472d. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[12] Ibid.

[13] Stassen, Murray. 2023. HYBE has now spent $600m+ in a single week, because it buys 14.8% stake in Okay-Pop rival SM Leisure for $334m. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 10 February. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybe-acquires-14-8-stake-in-k-pop-rival-sm-entertainment-for-334m1/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[14] Ibid.

[15] Dalugdug, Mandy, 2023. South Korea’s Kakao buys 9.05% stake in Okay-Pop large SM Leisure value $172.8m. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 7 February. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/south-koreas-kakao-buys-9-05-stake-in-k-pop-giant-sm-entertainment-worth-172-8m/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[16] Herold Muse. 2023. Lee Soo-man threatens authorized motion in opposition to SM Leisure: ‘Kakao’s acquisition of SM shares is illegal’ (official assertion). 7 February. https://www.heraldmuse.com/article/3056777. Translated with DeepL. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[17] Dalugdug, Mandy, 2023. In victory for HYBE, SM Leisure ends Kakao deal as court docket blocks agency from issuing new shares. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 6 March. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/in-victory-for-hybe-sm-entertainment-ends-kakao-deal-as-court-blocks-firm-from-issuing-new-shares/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[18] Dalugdug, Mandy. 2023. HYBE’s SM Leisure takeover plan falls quick, Kakao launches $960m provide for controlling stake. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 7 March. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybes-sm-entertainment-takeover-plan-falls-short-now-kakao-launches-960m-offer-for-controlling-stake/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[19] Ingham, Tim. 2023. HYBE pulls out of bid to accumulate 40% stake in SM Leisure: ‘The market has been exhibiting indicators of overheating as a result of our competitors with Kakao.’ Music Enterprise Worldwide, 7 March. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybes-sm-entertainment-takeover-plan-falls-short-now-kakao-launches-960m-offer-for-controlling-stake/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[20] Yim, Hyunsu. 2023. Kakao’s stake in Okay-pop company SM climbs to 40%, HYBE retains 8.8%. Reuters, 28 March. https://www.reuters.com/enterprise/media-telecom/kakao-reaches-40-stake-k-pop-agency-sm-hybe-keeps-88-2023-03-28/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[21] Stassen, Murray. 2025. HYBE is promoting its complete stake in Okay-Pop rival SM Leisure to Tencent Music for almost $180m. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 27 Might. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/hybe-to-sell-entire-stake-in-k-pop-rival-sm-entertainment-to-tencent-music-for-nearly-180m/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[22] Kang, John. 2016. Why Alibaba Purchased $30M Stake In Okay-Pop Large SM Leisure, Residence To EXO And Ladies’ Technology. Forbes, 11 February. https://www.forbes.com/websites/johnkang/2016/02/11/why-alibaba-bought-30m-stake-in-k-pop-giant-sm-entertainment-home-to-exo-and-girls-generation/#7e130efda556. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[23] Lee, Eun-young. 2023. Former SM CEO Lee Sung-soo, who pledged to step again, returns to C-level place. ChosunBiz, 14 April. https://n.information.naver.com/mnews/article/366/0000893605. Translated with DeepL. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[24] Kwaak, Jeyrup S. 2023. SM Leisure Appoints New CEO & Board as Okay-Pop Large Seems to be to the Future. Billboard, 31 March. https://www.billboard.com/professional/k-pop-label-sm-entertainment-appoints-new-ceo-board/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[25] Dalugdug, Mandy. 2023. SM Leisure to launch music publishing subsidiary, Kreation Music Rights. Music Enterprise Worldwide, 10 August. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sm-entertainment-to-launch-music-publishing-subsidiary-kreation-music-rights/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[26] Schneider, Marc. 2023. SM Leisure and Kakao Launch Joint Division in North America. Billboard, 1 August. https://www.billboard.com/professional/sm-entertainment-kakao-north-america-launch-partnership/. Accessed 30 Jan 2026

[27] SM Leisure. 2022. SM Leisure Enterprise Report 2021. pp 328-332 (translated with DeepL)

[28] SM Leisure. 2022. SM Leisure Enterprise Report 2021., p 14 (translated with DeepL)

[29] SM Leisure. 2022. SM Leisure Sustainability Report 2021. p 52 and SM Leisure. 2025. SM Leisure Sustainability Report 2024. p 90

[30] See quarterly stories of SM Leisure for 2024

Thȩ radįo features Jason Mȩwes and Jay & Silent Bob on Five Points, as wȩll as keeρ conflicts and arranging.

Thȩ radįo features Jason Mȩwes and Jay & Silent Bob on Five Points, as wȩll as keeρ conflicts and arranging.

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, anḑ other programs αre available to talk ⱱia.

Jason Mewes ‘ return to the scene of a convenience store shop has a certain kind of full-circle writing, but this time he’s having a discussion system disguised as a YouTube set rather than slinging smoking in Clerks. Kyle Meredith, the artist and humorous, was busy running his stand-up show” Diary of α Maȵchild,” woɾking on projects witⱨ Kevin Smith, and launching a neω shσw called Five Points, wheɾe viewers can tɾavel ƫhrough the aiȿles anḑ let ɱemories do the talking. It’ȿ α blenḑ of transformation and tribute, αnd it’s very similar to a career that’s ƀeen built on impulse, timing, anḑ a willingness to try something tσ ƙeep thȩ lights on. Talk in the apps above or wherever you can find them.

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Mewes is the first to acknowledge that the survival of this industry is not always straightforward. He laughs at the irony of a 30-year job built almost wholly on word-of-mouth and friends,” I really never got a work from an audition. ” Ⱨe ⱨas sinçe beçome more įndependent, whether that means writing for television shows, podcasts, or participating in jobs like Fiⱱe Points. It’s trulყ difficult to keep thȩ momentum going because, unlike Rσbert De Niro or Clinƫ Eastwood, you’ɾe not really ǥetting work nonstop. Otherwise, he has embraced the hurry, figuring out how to make money by displaying up, saying sure, and trying to figure things out.

Five Points uses a comfort store as a story cause, thanks to that same feisty power. Mewes says it’s different from asking α liȿt of iȿsues to someone else. No one has ever questioned a person if they ever consumed elephant almonds or whatever because of this. The end result įs a serįes thαt αvoids the typical press-cycle conversation and travȩls tσ a more intimate, yet unintended place. He goes on to say,” I think it actually has brought out some great stories… maybe they’ve never discussed this in any other appointment in the last 20 years. ” lt’s quiçk ƫo take, easy to follow, and unexpectedly revealing, which might be why it worƙs.

There are also bigger jobs, particularly those inⱱolving Kevin Șmith, his Iong-term homosexual parƫner. He makȩs fun of scheduling time with his companion, but he Iooks ƒorward ƫo “anotheɾ drama with Kevin. ” We’re wanting to picture another Jay & Bob, knock on wood. It’s called Store Wars: Jay & Silent Bob. We have half the money, and Kevin has the text. That is expected to occur in the middle of the time.

ln ƫhe most recent event, Jasoȵ Mewes can be heard talking about Kevin Sɱith, Five Items, and ɱore. Follow Kyle Meredith With… σn your preferred αudio aρp, and subscribe to the Consequence Podcast Network to liȿten to all the newest ȩpisodes.

IPRMENTLAW WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS (APRIL 6-12, 2025)

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The plea contends that his title, picture and likeness are getting used with out consent throughout merchandise, commercials and different on-line content material, amounting to a violation of his publicity and privateness rights. He has accordingly sought a everlasting injunction restraining the defendants from utilizing his images, movies, voice or some other private attributes for industrial functions, together with by rising applied sciences reminiscent of AI-generated content material and deepfake

Delhi Excessive Courtroom Seeks Responses From MEITY and Google in 4PM Information Channel Blocking Case

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In his petition, the petitioner particularly pleaded that the discharge of the movie—whereas the legal trial remains to be pending. would prejudice the accused’s proper to a good trial and create a “media trial” atmosphere. It was additional contended that the portrayal of occasions carefully resembling the incident may stigmatise the accused and irreparably hurt the repute of the household. The Courtroom, nonetheless, declined to grant aid, noting that the movie had acquired certification and gave the impression to be a fictionalised account with disclaimers and altered particulars. It held that speculative apprehensions concerning prejudice to trial or reputational hurt had been inadequate to justify a pre-release restraint on a artistic work.

The music streaming market in South Korea – Music Enterprise Analysis

The music streaming market in South Korea – Music Enterprise Analysis


On this a part of the weblog collection, we are going to analyse the music streaming market in South Korea, which has grown so quickly in recent times – primarily due to Ok-pop – and has introduced file revenues to home music streaming providers. Nevertheless, within the 2020s, worldwide opponents entered the market and have been in a position to achieve market share on the expense of South Korean streaming suppliers. The explanations for this might be additional analysed.

The Economics of Ok-pop – Half 2: The music streaming market in South Korea

Lately, competitors within the South Korean music streaming market has intensified. For years, native music streaming providers had divided the market amongst themselves. That modified on 22 Could 2018, when Google launched each, the subscription-based YouTube Premium service – providing ad-free movies – and the ad-supported YouTube Music streaming service in South Korea.[1]

YouTube was already highly regarded in South Korea at the moment, as evidenced by the rising income from ad-supported music video streaming, which had surged to US $59 million by 2021, whereas income from ad-supported audio streaming stagnated at round US $6 million between 2016 and 2021 (see fig. 1).

Determine 1: Income from ad-supported audio and video streaming in South Korea, 2016–2021

ource: IFPI World Music Studies 2016-2021

The sport-changer was that Google bundled its two providers and built-in YouTube Music into YouTube Premium. Because the Ok-pop aesthetic is extremely performative and centred on dance, efficiency and outfits, music movies have been of nice relevance to followers, which made the YouTube providing very engaging. Many customers who had beforehand used home paid music providers now switched to YouTube Music. While YouTube Music had simply 4.03 million month-to-month energetic customers (MAUs) in 2021, inserting it effectively behind the market chief MelOn with 6.89 million,[2] it had closed the hole on MelOn with 6.27 million MAUs, which had 6.61 million MAUs a yr later (see fig. 2). In 2022, the Korean suppliers Genie Music (3.32 million MAUs) and FLO (2.13 million MAUs) adopted within the rankings, forward of Spotify with 0.79 million MAUs. By 2025, the image had modified utterly. YouTube Music was clearly in first place with 10.12 million MAUs, adopted by MelOn with 6.23 million MAUs. Nevertheless, the rising star of the yr was Spotify, which shot as much as third place with a development soar of 168 per cent to 4.24 million MAUs. In distinction, consumer numbers for the Korean providers Genie Music (2.57 million MAUs) and FLO (1.76 million MAUs) declined in 2025 (see fig. 2).

Determine 2: The music streaming market in South Korea by market share, 2022–2025

Supply: After Lee Kyung-tak. 2025. Spotify climbs to 3rd place in South Korea music streaming market. Chosun Biz, 23 September. https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-it/2025/09/23/KLQLRSGEXVEZHPRQVREMVYCX2E/. Accessed 16 Dec 2025

Korean music streaming providers noticed Google’s bundling technique as unfair competitors and criticized the US web big for it. In 2024, they acquired help from the Korean Honest Commerce Fee (FTC), which launched the “Platform Competitors Promotion Act” to allow simpler motion towards monopolistic market practices and the abuse of a dominant market place. The brand new regulation was aimed not solely on the Korean tech giants Naver, Kakao and Coupang, however primarily focused main US web firms reminiscent of Google, Meta and Apple. The function of music streaming providers was additionally to be scrutinised extra carefully, as FTC Chairman Han Ki-jeong introduced in a speech earlier than the American Chamber of Commerce in Seoul.[3]

The FTC’s subsequent investigations revealed that Google had breached competitors guidelines by bundling YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. The FTC argued {that a} month-to-month subscription to YouTube Premium in Korea would price KRW 14,900 (US$10.78) and that customers must pay KRW 11,990 (US$8.67) per 30 days for the ad-supported streaming service YouTube Music, with out the choice to change to a premium-only plan. The FTC concluded that this distorted competitors and deprived different music streaming providers, as shoppers may then change on to YouTube Premium, and initiated authorized proceedings towards Google Korea.[4]

To keep away from the hefty penalties offered for within the regulation, Google Korea entered into negotiations with the FTC, which, after an extended and difficult battle, resulted in an final result passable to each side. Google agreed to launch YouTube Premium Lite, which might price KRW 8,500 for customers of Android units and KRW 10,900 for Apple units. Within the Lite model, adverts are faraway from most movies, although not from YouTube Shorts. Moreover, options reminiscent of offline downloads and background playback aren’t accessible.[5]

The FTC expressed satisfaction with this compromise, as shoppers with little curiosity in YouTube Music may now change to the Lite model and subscribe to different music streaming providers. In return, Google agreed to maintain the subscription value for YouTube Premium Lite unchanged for a minimum of one yr and, within the occasion of future value adjustments, to take care of the value distinction between the complete model of YouTube and the Lite providing. Moreover, Google dedicated to paying KRW 30 billion to the general public broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) in order that it may well higher help the Korean music business and home artists.[6] It stays to be seen whether or not this compromise will enhance the scenario for Korean music streaming providers, and there has already been criticism from Korean YouTube opponents.[7] Nevertheless, after years of development, they’ve come beneath large financial strain from overseas opponents.


Endnotes

[1] Snapes, Laura and Mark Sweney. 2018. YouTube to launch new music streaming service. The Guardian, 17 Could. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/might/17/youtube-music-new-streaming-service-launch. Accessed 16 Dec 2025

[2] Lee, Gyu-lee. 2025. Will home music streaming providers regain market share after YouTube’s new subscription program? The Korea Instances, 23 Could. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/enterprise/tech-science/20250523/will-korean-music-streaming-services-regain-market-share-after-youtubes-new-subscription-program. Accessed 16 Dec 2025

[3] Lee, Jae-lim. 2024. Antitrust watchdog mulling inclusion of music streaming websites beneath platform regulation. Korea Joong-Ang Day by day, 7 March. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/information/2024-03-07/enterprise/business/Antitrust-watchdog-mulling-inclusion-of-music-streaming-sites-under-platform-regulation/1997097. Accessed 19 Dec 2025

[4] Lee, Jae-lim. 2024. FTC opens penalty overview towards Google for bundling subscriptions. Korea Joong-Ang Day by day, 8 July 2025. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/information/2024-07-08/enterprise/business/FTC-opens-penalty-review-against-Google-for-bundling-subscriptions/2085507. Accessed 19 Dec 2025

[5] Lim, Jeong-won. 2025. Google to launch YouTube Premium Lite plan in Korea after FTC approval. Korea Joong-Ang Day by day, 27 November 2025. https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/information/2025-11-27/enterprise/business/Google-to-launch-YouTube-Premium-Lite-plan-in-Korea-after-FTC-approval/2464732. Accessed 19 Dec 2025

[6] Ibid.

[7] Lee, Gyu-lee. 2025. Will home music streaming providers regain market share after YouTube’s new subscription program? The Korea Instances, 23 Could. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/enterprise/tech-science/20250523/will-korean-music-streaming-services-regain-market-share-after-youtubes-new-subscription-program. Accessed 19 Dec 2025

The Guild Movie: Podcast Featuring Felicia Day from The Lost Daughter of Sparta and the Guild

The Guild Movie: Podcast Featuring Felicia Day from The Lost Daughter of Sparta and the Guild

Aρple Podcasƫs, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, and other programs are available tσ talk via.

Felicia Day’s labσr haȿ always had α stronǥ sense σf revolt, but her most recent project maყ be the most original wσrk to date. In hȩr newest visual novȩl, The Łost Daughter oƒ Sparta, she explores ancient Gɾeek mythology and extracts α figure story that has long beeȵ forgotten, creating α soldier’s transformation. Day, who spoke with Kyle Meredith, examines the book through lonely pandemic nights, strong dives into myth, and coming to the realization that sometimes the best stories are those that haven’t been touched for two or three centuries. Listen in the apps above or wherever you can find them.

Getting Sparta’s The Lost Daughter.

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According to Day,” I came across this figure and I wanted to write a story about her because she really only has one range in history,” she writes about how her insomnia-fueled reading led to Philonoe, a almost lost figure associated with Helen of Troy. ” I was sσ excited tσ kind σf create a story for her that onȩ blog entry was just about ⱨow we don’t hear anythinǥ moɾe. ” That inḑependence Ied to α shift iȵ focus from filling in spaces to reconstructing the ȿtory itself. She continuȩs,” I loⱱe alterationȿ of Greek folklore with α fȩmale spin,” while “making me think about them įn α different ωay,” she continues,” aȵd that’s one of the reasons I started. “

The true backbone of the book is private, not ancient, though. She admits, connecting her personal Hollywood activities into the mental fabric of the narrative by admitting,” For a long time, I was betraying myself. ” Her depiction of the soldier’s journey, which rejects the conventional, male-dominated pattern, is driven by that pressure between identity and expectation. She Iaughs and says,” l took the laws, and therefore l decided to ƀreak them all. “

What’s second, like a long-awaited returning to The Guild, is supporting that same rebellious power. The Guild meeting movie will be available on Kickstarter this summer, according to her disclosures. Thȩ script was written, and wȩ had a studying, and įt went great. She continues,” I want to make a big deal out of it… tσ bookend the ƊIY of it,” adding that she iȿ įnspired by the fan-driven nature that made the lįne α cult classic.

Iȵ the most recent event, Felicia Day can bȩ heard ƫalking about The Guild, The Gưild, aȵd more. Follow Kyle Meredith With… on yσur preferred αudio app, and subscribe to ƫhe Consequence Podcast Netwoɾk to listen to aIl the newest episodes.

IPRMENTLAW Highlights (March 16 – 22, 2026)

IPRMENTLAW Highlights (March 16 – 22, 2026)


Takedown of ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ Amid Authorized Complaints and NHRC Discover

The promotional marketing campaign for KD: The Satan encountered a setback after the makers eliminated the tune ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ and its Kannada model ‘Sarse Ninna Seraga Sarse’ from YouTube and different streaming platforms. The takedown adopted authorized complaints and public criticism alleging that the tune contained obscene and sexually suggestive content material. In a subsequent improvement, the Nationwide Human Rights Fee issued a discover in relation to the matter.

The controversy arose after a criticism was filed by Vineet Jindal earlier than the Delhi Police cyber cell in search of motion towards individuals related to the tune, together with Rageeb Alam, Prem, Arjun Janya, and Mangli. It was alleged that the content material could entice legal responsibility beneath Part 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, together with related provisions of the Safety of Kids from Sexual Offences Act and the Info Expertise Act, 2000. A criticism was additionally filed earlier than the Central Board of Movie Certification. Following this, the tune was made unavailable on YouTube, the place it had been accessible till March 16, 2026, and no official response has been issued by the makers up to now.

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Delhi Excessive Courtroom Directs Implementation of Accessibility Measures in Movies

Whereas contemplating a petition in regards to the absence of accessibility options for individuals with disabilities, the Delhi Excessive Courtroom directed the Ministry of Info and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Info Expertise, and the Central Board of Movie Certification to implement specified recommendations regarding such options. The petition sought instructions to make sure that the movie Pushpa 2: The Rule is launched with accessibility options, together with audio description and same-language closed captioning or Indian Signal Language, throughout theatres, OTT platforms, and different media codecs, in keeping with the accessibility pointers issued on March 15, 2024.

The Single Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed that sure recommendations be carried out by the Ministry of Info and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics and Info Expertise, whereas the Central Board of Movie Certification was directed to think about the remaining recommendations. The petitioner, showing in particular person, highlighted the absence of any unbiased mechanism enabling individuals with disabilities to determine movies providing such options, thereby affecting their potential to make knowledgeable viewing decisions. The Courtroom took notice of urged measures together with disclosure of accessibility options previous to ticket reserving, entry to such options via related functions, availability of technical help particulars, and a mechanism to make sure accessibility-compliant platforms. The matter has been listed for additional consideration on Might 7, 2026.

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Supreme Courtroom Quashes Copyright Case Towards Sujoy Ghosh

The Supreme Courtroom of India quashed the prison proceedings and summoning orders issued towards Sujoy Ghosh in relation to alleged copyright infringement in regards to the movie Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh. The Bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe put aside the orders of the Chief Judicial Justice of the Peace, Hazaribagh, and the Jharkhand Excessive Courtroom, and quashed the pending criticism case. The matter arose from a Particular Go away Petition difficult the Excessive Courtroom’s refusal to intrude with the prison proceedings.

The criticism had been filed by Umesh Prasad Mehta alleging that the movie’s script was copied from his work titled “Sabak,” which he claimed to have shared with Ghosh in 2015 for a advice associated to copyright registration. The Justice of the Peace had taken cognizance beneath Part 63 of the Copyright Act and issued summons, which the Excessive Courtroom declined to quash, observing that the allegations disclosed a prima facie case and that such points must be examined at trial. Ghosh had challenged the proceedings as baseless and invoked the inherent jurisdiction of the Excessive Courtroom; nevertheless, the Supreme Courtroom put aside the summoning order and the prison proceedings in entirety, thereby permitting the petition.

You may learn extra about it right here.

Case Title: Sujoy Ghosh v. State of Jharkhand and Anr.

Quotation: Particular Go away to Attraction (Crl.) No(s). 9452/2025

Film Can Be Flop Too, No Dishonest Offence Simply As a result of Movie Funding Didn’t Return Revenue: Supreme Courtroom

The Supreme Courtroom of India quashed prison proceedings beneath Part 420 of the Indian Penal Code towards V. Ganesan, holding that simply because a film did not generate revenue doesn’t, by itself, set up dishonest intention from the inception. The Bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Manoj Misra put aside the order of the Madras Excessive Courtroom to the extent it declined to quash proceedings beneath Part 420 IPC, and held that the dispute disclosed solely a civil explanation for motion.

The Courtroom famous that the complainant had invested in a movie undertaking in expectation of profit-sharing, the movie was accomplished and launched, and there have been no allegations of earnings being generated. The Courtroom noticed that movie manufacturing is a high-risk exercise and that an settlement to share earnings inherently entails the danger of no returns. It additional held that dishonour of post-dated cheques, issued in direction of reimbursement of an current obligation, doesn’t by itself quantity to dishonest, although it could entice separate cures. Accordingly, the Courtroom concluded that the allegations didn’t disclose dishonest intention from the outset and quashed the prison proceedings.

You may learn extra about it right here.

Case Title: V. Ganesan v. State Rep. by the Sub Inspector of Police and One other

Quotation: 2026 INSC 265

Kerala Excessive Courtroom Hears Problem to Certification of ‘The Kerala Story 2’

The producer of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Past objected to a plea earlier than the Kerala Excessive Courtroom difficult the certification granted to the movie on the bottom of alleged defamation of the State. Through the listening to, the Courtroom noticed that the difficulty raised by the petitioners was “in all probability real” and orally indicated that the rights within the movie ought to not be launched till the matter is heard additional.

In response, the producer’s counsel submitted that the pleas are within the nature of public curiosity and that the petitioners wouldn’t have any particular person grievance. It was argued that the problem relies on an assertion that the dignity of the petitioners is affected as a result of alleged impression on the repute of Kerala, and that such a declare will not be sustainable because the State doesn’t possess an unbiased dignity separate from that of the nation. The matter was adjourned and is scheduled to be heard additional.

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Parliament Debate on ‘KD: The Satan’ Music Amid Obscenity Row

The controversy surrounding the tune ‘Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke’ from KD: The Satan was raised in Parliament, with Anand Bhadoria highlighting considerations over vulgar content material on OTT platforms and social media. In response, Ashwini Vaishnaw said {that a} ban had already been imposed on the tune and reiterated that freedom of speech is topic to affordable restrictions in keeping with societal and cultural issues. The controversy pertains to the Kannada monitor ‘Sarse Ninna Serage Sarse’, written by Prem, who issued an apology following public backlash.

The Hindi model, written by Abdul Rageem, gained consideration after its launch that includes Sanjay Dutt and Nora Fatehi, with allegations that the lyrics had been sexually suggestive. The Karnataka State Fee for Ladies additionally sought motion, elevating considerations that such content material could encourage eve-teasing and impression girls adversely. It urged the Karnataka Movie Chamber of Commerce to make sure that objectionable content material is averted, and requested the Central Board of Movie Certification to require deletion or modification of such parts. The CBFC, nevertheless, clarified that it had not acquired any utility for certification of the tune and that digital content material falls outdoors its regulatory scope, directing queries to the platform and the makers.

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Bengaluru Courtroom Grants Injunction to Defend ‘Ustad Bhagath Singh’

Forward of the theatrical launch of Ustad Bhagath Singh, producer Mythri Film Makers obtained an ex parte short-term injunction from the Bengaluru Metropolis Civil and Periods Courtroom restraining the circulation of allegedly false, malicious, defamatory, or derogatory content material regarding the movie throughout digital and media platforms. The order, handed in a swimsuit towards varied intermediaries together with YouTube LLC, Large Tree Leisure Pvt Ltd, X Corp., Google India Personal Restricted, IMDb.com Inc., and Meta Platforms Inc., directs them to chorus from publishing or sharing such content material till the subsequent listening to, which is scheduled for April 27, 2026.

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Delhi Excessive Courtroom Seeks Readability in Sonakshi Sinha’s Persona Rights Go well with

The Delhi Excessive Courtroom directed Sonakshi Sinha to file a transparent, defendant-wise desk of allegedly infringing URLs in her swimsuit towards AI-based platforms for misuse of her persona rights, noting lack of readability within the materials positioned on report. Justice Jyoti Singh, whereas listening to the interim utility, additionally permitted submitting of delicate materials in a sealed cowl and indicated that an interim order for defense of the actor’s persona rights could be handed, whereas limiting reliefs to legally recognised measures and acknowledging the technical position of intermediaries corresponding to area registrars.

You may learn extra about it right here.

Gautam Gambhir Strikes Delhi Excessive Courtroom Over AI Deepfakes and Persona Rights

Gautam Gambhir has instituted a civil swimsuit earlier than the Delhi Excessive Courtroom in search of safety of his persona and publicity rights towards alleged digital impersonation, AI-generated deepfakes, and unauthorised business exploitation. The swimsuit highlights a surge in fabricated content material throughout social media platforms, the place AI instruments corresponding to face-swapping and voice-cloning had been used to create movies falsely depicting him making statements, together with a purported resignation announcement and feedback on senior cricketers, which acquired vital on-line traction.

The swimsuit additional raises considerations over unauthorised business use of his title and likeness, together with sale of merchandise on e-commerce platforms with out consent. It’s alleged that such actions kind a part of a coordinated misuse of his id, prompting the request for complete authorized safety and applicable instructions towards the involved platforms and entities concerned.

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Election Fee to Resolve Destiny of ‘Jana Nayagan’ Amid Mannequin Code of Conduct

The discharge of Jana Nayagan has encountered a contemporary hurdle, with the Election Fee of India inspecting whether or not the movie may be cleared through the operation of the Mannequin Code of Conduct. The difficulty arises as Vijay, who performs the lead, can be the top of a political social gathering contesting the upcoming Tamil Nadu Meeting elections. The Fee has termed the matter a “new scenario” and is contemplating whether or not a movie that includes an lively political determine requires scrutiny through the election interval.

The movie, which has already confronted certification delays earlier than the Central Board of Movie Certification, was referred to a revising committee after objections to sure scenes. With the Mannequin Code of Conduct in drive till completion of the election course of, the matter now lies on the intersection of movie certification and election regulation, and the ultimate clearance is more likely to depend upon the Election Fee’s resolution, making a pre-election launch unsure.

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Delhi Excessive Courtroom Restrains Switch of Broadcast Rights in Legends League Dispute

The Delhi Excessive Courtroom restrained Absolute Legends Sports activities Personal Restricted from creating or transferring any third-party rights in relation to the Legends League Cricket Grasp T20 event, in a dispute with JioStar India Pvt. Ltd.. The Courtroom, whereas listening to a petition beneath the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, held that allowing such switch would defeat the subject material of the dispute, and particularly restrained any proposed switch of rights to Bluegod Leisure Restricted pending decision of the dispute.

The order was handed by Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, who noticed that interim safety was essential to safeguard JioStar’s claims arising from a previous settlement for broadcast and business exploitation of the event. JioStar has additionally sought additional instructions to restrain broadcasting of the event on tv and digital platforms, together with deposit of sure quantities and creation of an escrow mechanism for revenues, which stay to be thought of.

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Madras Excessive Courtroom Grants Injunction Towards Unauthorised Broadcast of ‘Jab Khuli Kitab’

The Madras Excessive Courtroom granted an ad-interim injunction restraining unauthorised broadcasting of the movie Jab Khuli Kitab, holding that preventive measures are essential to keep away from irreparable hurt to copyright house owners. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy restrained a number of web service suppliers and cable operators, whereas directing the plaintiff, Applause Leisure Personal Restricted, to offer indemnity contemplating the vast scope of the aid, and ordered that the interim safety will stay in drive till April 6, 2026.

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Madras Excessive Courtroom Clarifies Restricted Copyright Rights in ‘Roja’ Dispute

The Madras Excessive Courtroom dismissed appeals filed by Lahari Recording Firm in a copyright dispute in regards to the Telugu dubbed model of Roja, holding that Lahari didn’t possess satellite tv for pc broadcasting rights and couldn’t restrain its telecast. The Division Bench of Justice C. V. Karthikeyan and Justice Ok. Kumaresh Babu noticed that Lahari’s rights had been restricted to dubbing and specified modes of exploitation beneath its settlement with Kavithalayaa Productions, and couldn’t be expanded to incorporate satellite tv for pc rights.

The Courtroom additional held that copyright in movies includes distinct rights, corresponding to theatrical and satellite tv for pc broadcasting rights, which have to be individually assigned. It famous that Lahari had exceeded its contractual rights by granting video cassette rights to a 3rd social gathering and, within the absence of satellite tv for pc rights, couldn’t declare infringement or damages towards telecast by Jain Tv. Accordingly, the Courtroom concluded that Lahari was not entitled to any injunction or compensation, reinforcing that copyright claims are strictly confined to the rights expressly granted beneath an settlement.

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Case Title: Lahari Recording Co. P. Ltd. v. Jain Tv & Ors. (Mala Publicity Service P Ltd)

Quotation: 2026: MHC: 942.