SEOUL, April 26, 2023 – Kakao Entertainment today is pleased to announce that Joseph Chang, the company’s Global Strategy Officer (GSO), has been recognized again on Billboard’s 2023 International Power Players list. Billboard, a major U.S. music industry publication, annually recognizes top leaders in the music industry outside the United States. This is Chang’s second time being named to the list following his appearance in 2021. The distinction is a strong demonstration of Kakao Entertainment’s expanding influence in the global music industry.

Billboard unveiled its 2023 International Power Players on April 25th through its official website, introducing the honorees who have contributed most to the global growth of the music industry. In its announcement, Billboard that this is the 8^th consecutive year of growth for the global music industry, and the growth rate in the Asian music market, particularly among Korean artists, has been higher than the global average as their stars have achieved great success on global charts.

Referring directly to Chang’s selection, Billboard pointed to the fact that he “oversees the global expansion strategy and business of Kakao Entertainment, and an artist roster that includes IVE, The Boyz, and MONSTA X.” Billboard also noted Chang’s central efforts in forging the recent partnership with SM Entertainment.

As head of the company’s North American subsidiary, Kakao Entertainment America, Chang plays a pivotal role in enhancing the music division’s global competitiveness. To fully support the overseas activities of artists under the company’s various labels, including international tours, promotions, and album releases, he established a global 360-degree management system and strengthened cooperation with leading global entertainment companies and industry experts.

Leveraging this strong management base, Kakao Entertainment recently inked a partnership agreement with Columbia Records, a Sony Music label, to distribute music from Starship Entertainment’s IVE globally, including promotion in North America. Following IVE, the company expects to continue to promote the global expansion of artists under its labels, with further plans in development to strengthen global competitiveness by helping K-pop find continued global success in cooperation with SM Entertainment and that company’s stable of globally influential artists and strong bank of music IP.

“We want to see K-Pop continue to grow in influence and popularity with music fans around the world, and that means we need to do our best to communicate even more actively with them,” said Chang following Billboard’s announcement. “At the same time, we will continue to showcase the tremendous growth potential of Kakao Entertainment’s music business, from planning to production and distribution of all our music IP and artists around the world, to accelerate our global growth.”