JYP, SM, and Starship Launch Multiple New Groups in 2025 as They Prepare for Global Stage

Major K-POP agencies are launching a large number of new groups in 2025 to expand their presence in global markets. A new trend is emerging, shifting away from the traditional Korea-centered approach toward embracing various countries and cultures. JYP Entertainment introduced its male new group, KickFlip, on January 1, 2025, for the first time in seven years. SM Entertainment will release its female new group, Hearts2Hearts, on February 24, marking its first new girl group in four years. Starship Entertainment is preparing a new group named KiiiKiii, the first since IVE in 2021, though the exact team structure and number of members remain undisclosed. What is even more noteworthy is the emergence of groups that emphasize a global identity. Cosmosy, under the overall supervision of creative director SINXITY, features four members from Japan who trained in Korea using the K-POP system before singing in a mix of English, Japanese, and Korean. SINXITY stated that he wants a group that highlights the members’ natural talents, stressing the importance of diversity and identity. Cosmosy’s members Camion and DiHana have experience appearing on Japan’s version of Produce 101, while Imish and Amye have idolized famous pop stars and trained in dancing since childhood. BlingOne China, born through World K-POP Center’s global audition project Click the Star, also serves as a bridge between K-POP and C-POP. This six-member group, consisting of Lani, Katrina, Sandy, Cash, Junnie, and Chloe, was selected from 1,000 candidates after competing in China in September 2023, with only six ultimately chosen. Their debut song, BubbleGym, was released in both Korean and Mandarin Chinese versions. It combines the melody of a classical overture from 1829 with a lively and upbeat hip-hop dance beat. Member Chloe said, “I am honored to represent China through Click the Star,” adding that she hopes to establish herself as a K-POP ambassador in China. World K-POP Center plans to launch 32 girl groups in 32 countries under the BlingOne brand over the next five years. The first group, BlingOne Peru, made its debut in June 2023, while the second Mongolian season was delayed due to contract issues.