Aug. 6, 2026, SEOUL, KOREA – KiiiKiii, AEN, and Splayit – rookie artists from Kakao Entertainment labels are making their mark on the global stage this August. With new debuts and a comeback, these emerging stars are set to enthrall audiences worldwide with their distinctive musical identities.

Behind these releases is Kakao Entertainment’s comprehensive music business ecosystem. Leveraging its multi-label system, planning and production capabilities, as well as strategic partnerships, the company is accelerating global growth by developing new IP across diverse genres, including idol groups and bands.

KiiiKiii (Starship Entertainment)

KiiiKiii is making its much-awaited comeback with its third EP, “WhyKiiiKiii,” on Aug. 10. The group recently ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Best K-Pop Songs of 2026 (So Far) list with “404 (New Era),” fueling anticipation for its return.

“WhyKiiiKiii” blends the carefree spirit of Waikiki, one of the world’s most iconic vacation destinations, with KiiiKiii’s signature retro-pop vibe. Across six tracks that unfold like a summer-day journey, the group showcases its evolving musical universe. The lead single, “Pop Off Pop Off,” is an electronic synth-pop track highlighted by dynamic sounds, an infectious beat and an irresistibly catchy chorus. It captures the energy and atmosphere of summer through its lyrics.

Anticipation for “WhyKiiiKiii” is especially high following the group’s recent global achievements. In addition to topping Billboard’s Best K-Pop Songs list, KiiiKiii landed on Billboard’s Best K-Pop Albums of 2026 (So Far) list with “Delulu Pack,” while also making it onto THE FADER’s “The 30 Best Albums of 2026 So Far.”

AEN (Starship Entertainment, Amuse)

AEN, a new Korean-Japanese boy group formed by Starship Entertainment and Japan’s leading entertainment company Amuse, unleashed its debut EP, “A NEW ERA OF NOW,” in Korea and Japan, Aug. 5.

Led by the title track “X to Z (Next to me),” the EP embodies “a new era of the here and now.” With the release, AEN sets out to challenge familiar conventions through a series of bold musical and creative experiments.

AEN, short for “A New Era of Now,” consists of four Korean and three Japanese members. Among them, JIYONG, BOMIN, KYUHYUN, HARU, JUNSEO, and KAIRA were high-profile contestants on Starship’s trainee audition project “Debut’s Plan” (2025). HARUTO is a newly added Japanese member.

Ahead of its official debut, AEN held the “First Encounter” greeting showcase in Japan in June. The group also featured on Japan’s flagship music programs, including NHK’s “Venue101” and TBS’ “PLAYLIST,” where it delivered performances of “X to Z (Next to me) (Japanese ver.)” to enthusiastic responses from local audiences. Through various radio programs and magazine features, AEN is continuing to build its presence in Japan and beyond. Prior to AEN, Starship Entertainment introduced another rookie boy group, IDID, in 2025. With a series of standout releases including “CHAN-RAN” and “FLY!”, IDID has quickly cultivated a global fanbase.

Splayit (Kakao Entertainment, LM Entertainment)

Splayit, known as the “SCHOOL BAND” from the global band-making project “Steal Heart Club,” is bursting onto the music scene, Aug. 13. It will drop the debut album “SPLAY : CHAPTER 01,” featuring the double title tracks “Last Bus,” and “Domino.”

“Last Bus” combines Splayit’s refreshing energy with a powerful band sound that radiates a sense of freedom and vitality. For “Domino,” members Yoonchan and Kyunguk participated in songwriting, adding their own create colors. The album also offers “Celebration” that further highlights Splayit’s unique musical identity.     

Splayit consists of Yoonchan (vocals,) Eunbin (drums,) Kyunguk (keyboard,) Aydn (guitar,) and Eunchan (bass,) who have already built a global fanbase on the survival show. The band’s name combines “Splay” and “Play it,” reflecting the members’ determination to express their individuality and passion through music. With its polished band sound and strong teamwork, Splayit aims to usher in a new wave in the global band scene, alongside hrtz.wav, another Kakao Entertainment band from “Steal Heart Club” that debuted with the EP “The First Wave” in April. Since debuting, hrtz.wav has established itself as a festival powerhouse, garnering a global fandom through its dynamic live performances.