Kakao Entertainment & Atlantic Music Group Sign Strategic Partnership To Create More K-pop Opportunities

Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | October 8, 2026

Kakao Entertainment has inked a strategic partnership with Atlantic Music Group (AMG) – a global music powerhouse under Warner Music Group – to establish a new business model centered on creating and developing the next global K-pop IP. This marks a distinctive cross-border collaboration between a Korean distributor and a U.S. label — building a broader alliance that develops artists from the very early stages and supports them throughout their journey.

Under the partnership, Kakao Entertainment and AMG will collaborate across a wide range of areas – including global strategy, music production, distribution, marketing, and promotion – to support the global growth of K-pop artists.

AMG operates acclaimed labels including Atlantic Records, 10K Projects, and 300 Entertainment, amplifying its presence in the global market through a digital-first strategy tailored to the rapidly evolving music landscape. AMG is home to A-list stars such as Bruno Mars, Charli xcx, Coldplay, Charlie Puth, Cardi B, and Miley Cyrus, leveraging its artist development and music production capabilities to shape global music trends. In addition, its 10K Projects label is known for its strength in discovering and developing emerging artists, while 300 Entertainment brings a strong creative identity rooted in hip-hop and R&B. Together, AMG’s diverse capabilities and networks will lead to the creation of a new label partnership committed to K-pop’s global expansion.

The partnership brings together a leading Korean entertainment company with deep expertise in K-pop and a North American entertainment company with extensive experience in the global music market, enabling the two sides to develop artists’ global strategies from the earliest stages of their careers.

Kakao Entertainment will combine its extensive expertise across the K-pop ecosystem – including music IP planning and production, distribution, artist management, marketing, and fan engagement – with AMG’s strengths in A&R, marketing, promotion, and its extensive global network. By blending their respective strengths, the two companies aim to create synergies across every aspect of K-pop artists’ global activities.

Going beyond simply introducing K-pop music and artists to overseas markets, Kakao Entertainment and AMG will jointly develop global strategies from the outset, taking into account each artist’s musical identity, stage of development, and potential in international markets. The collaboration will span the entire artist development and promotion process – from music production activities such as song camps and featured collaborations to music distribution and digital marketing through global streaming platforms and social media, as well as appearances on TV and radio programs, and fan engagement.

Through this comprehensive approach, the two companies plan to provide K-pop artists with a strong foundation to build, expand, and sustain dedicated fan bases across North America and beyond.

“Kakao Entertainment has built an incredible track record of developing artists and connecting them with passionate audiences,” said Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group. “By combining Kakao's deep expertise in K-pop with Atlantic Music Group’s global reach and artist development capabilities, we have an exciting opportunity to build careers that resonate with fans all over the world.”

"This partnership holds a special meaning because it brings together two companies — a leading entertainment company in Korea and a major music powerhouse in the U.S. — with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to unlock new opportunities for K-pop artists and IP on a global scale," said Joseph Chang, co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment. "By combining our expertise, networks, and market insights in K-pop, we aim to create new pathways for Korean artists to reach broader audiences and build lasting success in the global music market. We see this as an important step in our broader efforts to strengthen K-pop's global presence and deepen collaboration with industry partners around the world."