Twelve teams of singers from SM Entertainment, including girl group Aespa and group NCT, will join Hive's fan community platform Weverse by September, according to an announcement made by Weverse on the 17th.
This move follows HYBEe's agreement to engage in "platform cooperation" with Kakao last month, after withdrawing from the acquisition of SM.
Although both SM and Weverse did not disclose the names of the singers, it is known that virtually all of them, ranging from 1st generation singers such as Kangta and BoA to EXO, NCT, and Aespa, are included.
Even if these SM singers join Weverse, they will continue to use the fan communication platform "Bubble," which they have previously used. As Bubble focuses on one-on-one interactive paid communication, it does not overlap with Weverse, which is a free and open communication platform.
SM singers will move their fan clubs from the existing "KWANGYA CLUB" to Weverse's "Membership Service," and will also enter Weverse Shop, where they can purchase CD albums and MD (merchandise products). They will also use the video live service 'Weverse Live'.
In February, SM announced that it would develop an integrated platform to bring together fan contact windows distributed into nine areas, including official apps and wilderness clubs.
With the transfer of the fan club function to Weverse, the wilderness club is expected to be excluded from the new mobile platform or seek a new role.
Hive expects that the expansion of Weverse IP (intellectual property rights) will be maximized, as all SM 1st to 4th generation singers who used the "KWANGYA CLUB" will join Weverse.
Weverse will have singers from HYBE, SM, and YG, excluding JYP, among the so-called "four major music agencies." Currently, Weverse also hosts BLACKPINK and TREASURE from YG.
Weverse is reportedly considering adding a one-on-one private chat function with singers in the future.
"In the future, records and MDs will be sold at Weverse Shop, in addition to 'SMTOWN & STORE' and existing sales sites, to make it easier to purchase SM products," SM said. "This will also contribute to increased sales and profits."
SM also emphasized that, "In addition to Bubble, we will effectively realize the 'SM 3.0' strategy to strengthen the contact point between artists and fandom, and expand global fandom by providing services encompassing community, media content, and commerce through Weverse."
Hive’s partnership with Weverse will bring SM Entertainment’s top artists to the popular fan communication platform.
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