Chang wins much-envied recognition for third time
South Korea's Kakao Entertainment announced on April 30 that its co-CEO Joseph Chang was recognized on the 2024 Billboard International Power Players list.
The Seoul-based outfit noted that it marked the third time for him to win this global recognition.
Kakao Entertainment said that the acknowledgment highlighted his efforts in expanding Korean culture, including K-pop, globally.
Chang's role in the merger between Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment's North American subsidiary has set a precedent for building a multinational business platform, according to Billboard.
“As K-pop expands globally, Chang sees the merger as a milestone and a precedent for the next steps in building a multinational business system for all artists and labels under the company’s care,” Billboard said.
“In addition, IVE, a girl group on Kakao’s label Starship Entertainment, is on its first global tour, which included six U.S. arena dates in March.”
Kakao Entertainment's recent partnerships aim to amplify the influence of K-pop worldwide, supporting artists and nurturing new talent, Kakao said.
Kakao Entertainment was founded in 2021 as the result of the merger between two Kakao subsidiaries, KakaoPage and Kakao M.