Emerging Artists from Small Agencies Gain Recognition on International Stage · KISS OF LIFE Wins Billboard Rookie Award, RESCENE Included in Grammy Nominee List

Emerging groups affiliated with smaller agencies are making significant impacts at international award ceremonies. KISS OF LIFE debuted on July 5, 2023, with their mini-album *KISS OF LIFE*, and have steadily increased their visibility and sales in the Korean market since then. Their first single album, *Midas Touch*, introduced them to the Billboard Global 200 chart, where it reached its peak at position 165. As the K-pop industry remains dominated by large agencies, KISS OF LIFE is often referred to as a “miracle of small agencies.” Regarding the group’s progress, Belle stated, “We used to only dream about moments like these, but now we have turned those dreams into reality. Winning our first Music Show title with the song ‘Sticky,’ which we particularly love, makes us feel that our hard work and confidence in our music have finally paid off.” The uniqueness of KISS OF LIFE is evident in the concept and tracks of their mini-album *KISS OF LIFE*. The album was structured in a “magazine” format to deliver a distinctive visual experience, and every member included a solo song from the very beginning. Natty’s “Sugarcoat” achieved even greater success than the title track “Shhh,” firmly establishing KISS OF LIFE’s name among the public. One of KISS OF LIFE’s defining features is their nostalgic aesthetic. “Bad News” left a strong impression by incorporating hip-hop elements from the 1990s and 2000s, while their recent single “Get Loud” evokes the sound of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s Neptunes era. Their summer hit “Sticky” was their most successful track, and “Igloo” returned to the Billboard 200 chart thanks to its minimalist production and intense choreography. KISS OF LIFE has emerged as a notable emerging group by seamlessly blending American hip-hop/R&B elements with K-pop. Just over a year after their debut, they successfully completed a tour in North America and are currently preparing for a tour in Europe. Meanwhile, RESCENE is also demonstrating its presence on the international stage. Their song “Love Attack” was included in the Recording Academy’s recently released list titled “10 K-Pop Songs That Electrified 2024,” placing them alongside top groups such as ZeroBaseOne, Aespa, and LE SSERAFIM. RESCENE, an artist under MUZE Entertainment, is a female group composed of five members: Woni, Liv, Minami, May, and Zena. Since their debut in March 2024, they have quickly gained attention, with “Love Attack” playing a key role in establishing their unique sound. Their inclusion in the Grammy nominations is considered a significant achievement despite being in the early stages of their commercialization as an emerging group.