CJ ENM, Billboard and its local branch to collaborate on K-pop promotion

The memorandum of understanding will see the K-pop powerhouse team up with the global music chart to develop a wider global audience.

From left, Billboard President Mike Van, Billboard Korea CEO Yuna Kim and CJ ENM's head of music content division Harry H.K. Shin pose for the photo after the signing ceremony held at CJ ENM's headquarters in western Seoul on Thursday. [CJ ENM]

CJ ENM signed a memorandum of understanding with Billboard and Billboard Korea to collaborate on the global promotion of K-pop, the Korean entertainment company said on Friday.

The announcement comes in line with the inauguration of Billboard’s official branch in the country, Billboard Korea, in June. The local division's magazine will also start publication the same month.

The signing ceremony was attended by Billboard President Mike Van, Billboard Korea CEO and publisher Yuna Kim and CJ ENM’s Harry H.K. Shin, head of music content division, at CJ ENM’s headquarters in western Seoul on Thursday.

The companies will collaborate to publish digital photo shoots of K-pop artists as well as co-organize K-pop events such as concerts and festivals.

CJ ENM hosts a wide range of K-pop events on its cable channel Mnet, which runs a weekly music show “M Countdown” as well as audition programs to form project K-pop groups.

The company is the organizer behind the iconic K-pop awards show MAMA Awards and KCON, an annual Korean pop culture festival.

“CJ ENM’s KCON, Mama Awards and other events serve as excellent platforms connecting artists and global K-pop fans, which align closely with Billboard’s objectives,” Van said in a statement. “We have high expectations for this partnership, including discovering talented artists from around the world."

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]