After finishing 2021 as the year’s top label, Universal Music Group’s Republic Records is kicking off 2022 with a new partnership with JYP Entertainment (JYPE), one of the world’s largest K-pop labels.
According to the report by Billboard, following the initial strategic partnership between Republic and JYPE in 2020, which helped TWICE expand its influence in the United States, JYPE is all set to expand its alliance with the boy group Stray kids as well as girl group ITZY.
“We are beyond delighted to move forward with Republic Records, the most outstanding label in the United States, in developing the major artist roster of the two companies’ hereafter, starting with the successful kickoff TWICE has brought. We have absolute confidence that, together, we will lead the rapidly changing music industry from both in and out, alongside our prominent artists’ creations,” said Jimmy Jeong, CEO of JYP Entertainment, as quoted by Billboard.
Credits: JYP EntertainmentRepublic Records founder/CEO Monte Lipman added, “JYP Entertainment is one of the most influential voices of our generation. With founder J.Y. Park at its helm, alongside CEO Jimmy Jeong, their passion and vision for this collaboration is incredibly exciting. Having worked with JYP for many years, I admire them as esteemed colleagues and friends.”
Both groups will also benefit from Imperial, a Republic Records subsidiary independent label that has already assisted in the promotion and marketing of TWICE’s latest albums since the JYP-Republic partnership began.
Republic Records is home to a number of A-list musicians, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and more. Aside from acts managed by JYP Entertainment, other K-pop groups also housed under Republic Records include Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and TRI.BE.
Credits: JYP EntertainmentStray Kids is an eight-membered South Korean boy group, formed through the 2017 reality show of the same name. Prior to the official premiere of the show, JYPE released Stary kids’ first music video, Hellavator in 2017. JYPE announced the release of the group’s pre-debut extended play (EP) titled Mixtape, along with the opening of their official website. It includes Hellevator and other songs performed throughout the show, as well as seven tracks co-written and co-composed by the band. The group finally made its official debut on March 25, 2018. They have had 11 entries on the World Albums chart since their debut, and are significantly involved in the composition and production of their work.
In January 2019, JYPE announced that they would be debuting a five-membered girl group named ITZY. It marked the debut of their first girl group since TWICE in 2015. ITZY debuted on February 12, 2019, with their single album It’z Different, led by the single Dalla Dalla. The group made one of the biggest Billboard debuts for a new K-pop act in years, debuting at number three on the World Digital Song Sales chart and peaking at number two. ITZY has since released English versions of all their tracks, and their latest Crazy in Love album peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 in October.
While details on the expanded partnership’s first step were not revealed, according to Billboard, Republic and JYP Entertainment did say that there will be “more news to be announced soon.”