CJ ENM celebrated the 30th anniversary of its flagship music channel, Mnet, on Tuesday, revealing an ambitious global strategy aimed at expanding its influence in the music industry. The strategy includes launching a new record label, increasing international production, and strengthening its presence in global music commerce.
During a media event in southern Seoul titled “Mnext: Worlds of Mnet Since 2025,” the company’s executives outlined a clear roadmap for CJ ENM’s music division. Their goal is to position the company as a major global content player.
Shin Hyung-gwan, head of CJ ENM’s Music Contents Division, presented a three-pronged approach that focuses on global multi-label operations, large-scale international projects, and an integrated platform combining both online and offline elements.
One of the most notable announcements was the plan to launch a new global music label later this year. “By the first half of this year, we will provide more details about the new label, created in partnership with some of the world’s top music figures,” Shin said.
CJ ENM currently operates the labels WAKEONE and Japan-based LAPONE Entertainment. WAKEONE manages artists like Roy Kim, Ha Hyun-sang, and Jo Yu-ri from “Squid Game” Season 2, as well as K-pop groups Kep1er, ZEROBASEONE, and Izna. LAPONE represents Japanese acts such as JO1, INI, DXTEEN, IS:SUE, and ME:I. The new label aims to strengthen ties with international fans and expand CJ ENM’s reach globally.
“The global label will keep the essence of K-pop while adapting it for local markets. This initiative will feature international artists collaborating with Korean producers, blending cultural strengths to create unique works,” Shin explained.
The company also plans to scale up its production efforts with projects beyond K-pop. These include “World of Street Woman Fighter,” a global dance competition, and “Boys 2 Planet,” a survival show with separate Korean and Chinese versions to form two boy bands.
Other upcoming productions include “KPOPPED,” an eight-episode singing competition series on Apple TV+, and a band-focused survival show aimed at expanding the music genre.
A new joint program between Korea and Japan, titled “Unpretty Rapstar: HIPPOP PRINCESS,” was also announced. This hip-hop project, produced by the teams behind “Unpretty Rapstar” and “Street Woman Fighter,” is set to debut in the second half of the year.
Beyond television, CJ ENM continues to expand its global fan engagement platforms. This includes KCON, the world’s largest K-pop festival, and the MAMA Awards, a widely recognized industry event. Both are integrated with Mnet Plus, CJ ENM’s digital fan platform.
Kim Ji-won, head of Mnet Plus Business, outlined the platform’s enhanced offerings for the year. These will focus on three main areas: K-pop content, fan engagement, and global e-commerce.
Mnet Plus will expand its streaming and video-on-demand services for Mnet programs and original content like “SUMBAKKOKJIL.” Additionally, fan interaction features will grow with tools for fan clubs, artist posts, and one-on-one chats via the “Plus Chat” service. In April, a beta version of “Mnet Plus Merch” will launch, offering curated, limited-edition products for global fans.
CJ ENM also introduced a new initiative called the “Music Creative eco-System,” designed to support emerging talent, small and medium-sized labels, and promote a sustainable industry ecosystem through global collaborations.
“Through collaboration, creativity, and innovation, we aim to lead the next chapter of global music,” Shin concluded.
Related Topics
