Kakao Entertainment Expands Artist Promotions with Tours and Albums
Kakao Entertainment’s artists are poised for a dynamic year in 2026, marked by extensive global tours and album releases. This strategic expansion aims to enhance their international fanbases and further solidify their status in the K-pop industry.
Kakao Entertainment’s Prominent Artists
MONSTA X
Celebrating their tenth anniversary, MONSTA X plans to hit the road with their world tour “THE X : NEXUS.” The tour kicks off at Seoul’s KSPO DOME from January 30 to February 1, 2026. This marks their first tour in four years, showcasing their growth in cities across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
With their mini-album “THE X,” MONSTA X achieved record-breaking first-week album sales and topped various global charts, including Billboard. They also participated in the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, solidifying their reputation as a premier live act.
IVE
IVE will release a new album at the end of February 2026, accompanied by a pre-release track set for February 9. Their cinematic universe teaser has already heightened expectations for their return. The group will also embark on their second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM,” which originally launched in Seoul and includes performances in Japan and major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
In 2025, IVE celebrated remarkable success with seven consecutive million-seller albums and 20 music show victories, reaffirming their position as a leading girl group.
KiiiKiii
Next-generation group KiiiKiii is slated to release their second mini-album “Delulu Pack” on January 26. The album features the lead single “404 (New Era),” which blends UK house and garage influences. The group aims to broaden their global footprint with this unique sound and has already earned seven Rookie of the Year awards in 2025.
With powerful performances, KiiiKiii made history by becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 at Tokyo Dome.
WOODZ
Artist WOODZ will also have a busy year, with plans for a new full-length album. Following the success of his song “Drowning,” which achieved number one on Melon’s annual chart, WOODZ is set to enhance his global appeal. He will delve into acting with the film “Slide Strum Mute,” portraying a character grappling with deep desires.
Antenna’s Artists
Artists under Antenna, such as KYUHYUN and Jung Seung-hwan, are gearing up for a busy year, continuing to captivate fans with their unique music styles. The boy band Dragon Pony is also set to expand its global presence through various festival appearances and concerts.
hrtz.wav: Kakao Entertainment’s New Global Band
Newly launched band hrtz.wav will debut in early 2026. This ensemble, comprising winners from Mnet’s “Steal Heart Club,” features members Keiten, Hagiwa, Dane, Riaan, and Youn Young-jun. With strong instrumental skills and dynamic performances, they aim to capture the essence of youth through their music.
Kakao Entertainment is committed to supporting hrtz.wav’s rise in the industry, utilizing its extensive experience in music planning, production, and distribution to establish the band as a leading name in the growing K-band scene.
