Introduction to the Removal of K-pop Songs from Kakao M on Spotify
Recently, many fans of K-pop have noticed that several popular K-pop songs by Kakao M artists have been removed from Spotify. This issue first surfaced in early 2021 and was primarily due to a licensing dispute between the two companies. Understanding the reasons behind the removal and the potential timeline for the return of these songs is crucial for fans and industry professionals alike.
Understanding the Licensing Dispute
The disagreement between Spotify and Kakao M centers around the renewal of licensing agreements for the distribution of Kakao M's music catalog on Spotify. This dispute occurred as Kakao M sought to retain control over its artists' music in the South Korean market, while Spotify aimed to expand its global presence by including more content from Kakao M.
Kakao M's Position
Kakao M, a major South Korean music company, operated to maintain its monopoly status in the local market. The removal of K-pop songs by Kakao M artists from Spotify was a strategic move to prevent a foreign brand from taking over market share and potentially influencing the music landscape in Korea.
Spotify's Position
Spotify, on the other hand, is a global heavyweight in the music streaming industry, offering its service for free, a stark contrast to Kakao M's paid service, Melon. As a result, Spotify's decision to cancel the licensing of music from Kakao M's artists globally was a reflection of its ambitious strategy to become a more significant player in the South Korean market.
Artists Affected and Timeline of Events
The affected artists primarily include popular K-pop groups such as The Boyz, Victon, and Golden Child. Some of their songs, notably 'Some of The Boyz’s songs on my playlist can’t be played,' are no longer accessible on Spotify. This issue is a direct result of the licensing dispute, making it necessary for fans to seek alternative platforms like YouTube Music or Apple Music to continue enjoying their favorite tracks.
Popular Artists Affected
Some notable artists affected include IU, one of Korea's most successful and beloved pop stars, whose entire discography disappeared from Spotify temporarily. Other affected artists include:
Some of The Boyz Victon The Boyz Golden ChildThe exact list of affected artists as of March 1, 2021, can be found in various sources, indicating the extent of the impact on the K-pop community.
Possible Solutions and Strategies
The resolution of the licensing dispute will likely determine the return of these songs to Spotify. However, several potential strategies could be explored by both parties:
Outsourcing to Japanese Companies: Given that the music of Kakao M's artists outsourced to Japanese companies is still available, this provides a potential path for expansion. Japanese record companies could be licensed to promote Korean songs globally, maintaining competitiveness in the streaming market. Promotion on Other Streaming Platforms: Fans can subscribe to other streaming services such as Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and SoundCloud, which already have a significant number of K-pop songs. Digital Purchasing: Fans can purchase digital copies of their favorite songs and download them for offline playback on their devices. Supporting Alternatives: Some fans have suggested discontinuing Spotify Premium and encouraging the use of alternative platforms or even canceling Spotify Premier in favor of alternative subscription services.Conclusion and Future Outlook
The removal of K-pop songs from Kakao M on Spotify is a complex issue with broad implications for the industry. While the dispute between the two companies continues, fans and industry professionals can explore these strategies to keep enjoying their favorite K-pop music. The resolution of the licensing negotiations will be crucial, and in the meantime, discovering alternative platforms and supporting other streaming services can help bridge the gap.