kakao M

Kakao M was founded as Seoul Records in 1978 by Min Yeong-bin as a subsidiary of YBM Sisa, a company mainly involved in creating language-learning tapes.{{cite web|url=http://www.ybm.co.kr/sisa/photo.aspx?seq=14&Page=1|script-title=ko:1978 - Founding of "Seoul Records"|website=YBM Group|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228214818/http://www.ybm.co.kr/sisa/photo.aspx?seq=14&Page=1|archive-date=December 28, 2013|language=ko}} The company was officially registered in 1982, and in 1984 it began to produce and distribute records of classical and traditional music. It was registered as a venture capital company in 1999 when it began to sell albums while operating an online shop. In 2000, the company's name was changed to YBM Seoul Records and it began to operate on KOSDAQ. The company joined the IFPI in 2003. Korean conglomerate SK Telecom bought a 60% share of the company in 2005, and YBM Seoul Records subsequently became part of SK Group.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1411719/korean-telco-takes-control-of-seoul-records|title=Korean Telco Takes Control Of Seoul Records|date=May 27, 2005|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=August 16, 2013|archive-date=July 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704194506/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1411719/korean-telco-takes-control-of-seoul-records|url-status=live}}

As of 2008, the company was known as LOEN Entertainment. LOEN stood for: Live On Entertainment Networks and

LOve + ENtertainment

LOEN took charge of SK Telecom's online music distribution service, MelOn, in 2009. MelOn is currently the most used online music sales site in South Korea.{{cite web|url=http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=651823&mobile&categoryId=2058|script-title=ko:(주)로엔엔터테인먼트 (LOEN Entertainment, Inc.)|website=Naver|publisher=Naver Corporation|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=November 3, 2012|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050332/https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?docId=651823&mobile=&cid=43167&categoryId=43167|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/05/13/2013051301997.html|script-title=ko:로엔 vs KT뮤직... 음원株 '지각변동'|trans-title=LOEN versus KT Music... 'Music cataclysm'|work=ChosunBiz|publisher=Chosun Ilbo|last=Park|first=Won-ik|date=May 13, 2013|access-date=November 13, 2013|language=ko|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113050630/http://biz.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/05/13/2013051301997.html|url-status=live}}

In 2012, the company signed a deal with streaming site Viki so that content from their artists (such as IU, Brown Eyed Girls and Drunken Tiger) would be featured on their site.{{cite news|title=Video Subtitling Site Viki Puts K-Pop Content in Spotlight|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500494.html|access-date=May 30, 2012|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|date=May 25, 2012|archive-date=May 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528122139/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/05/25/2012052500494.html|url-status=live}}

In August 2012, the recording artists under LOEN collaborated to release a collaborative EP titled LOEN Tree Summer Story under the collective title 'LOEN Tree'.{{cite web|url=http://hanteo.com/search/nAlbum_info2.asp?mcode=001207683|title=LOEN Tree Summer Story|website=Hanteo|access-date=May 1, 2021|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130726025849/http://hanteo.com/search/nAlbum_info2.asp?mcode=001207683|url-status=live}}

On July 18, 2013, Affinity Equity Partners, through its subsidiary Star Invest Holdings Ltd., bought 52.56% of LOEN Entertainment's shares, leaving SK Group with only 15%. Five months later, Star Invest Holdings acquired RealNetworks, Inc.'s 8.83% stake in the company.{{cite news|url=http://www.thebell.co.kr/front/free/contents/news/article_view.asp?key=201311070100009740000585|script-title=ko:어피니티, 리얼네트웍스 보유 로엔엔터 지분 인수|trans-title=Affinity acquires a stake in Loen Entertainment owned by Real Networks|work=The Bell|author=Lee, Jae-young|date=November 17, 2013|access-date=January 6, 2015|language=ko|archive-date=January 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105190822/http://www.thebell.co.kr/front/free/contents/news/article_view.asp?key=201311070100009740000585|url-status=live}} The company was reorganized to include two labels: "LOEN Tree" (Jo Yeong-cheol) and "Collabodadi" (Shinsadong Tiger).{{cite news|url=http://uk.kpopstarz.com/articles/270/20130924/home-iu-loen-entertainment-aiming-become-multi-label-organization.htm|title=Home of IU, LOEN Entertainment Aiming to Become A Multi-label Organization|work=Kpop Starz|access-date=September 24, 2013|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050336/https://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?action=like&app_id=322956627818433&channel=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticxx.facebook.com%2Fx%2Fconnect%2Fxd_arbiter%2F%3Fversion%3D46%23cb%3Df2c11952f212a1c%26domain%3Duk.kpopstarz.com%26origin%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fuk.kpopstarz.com%252Ff679627b06627%26relation%3Dparent.parent&container_width=0&font=arial&height=25&href=http%3A%2F%2Fuk.kpopstarz.com%2Farticles%2F270%2F20130924%2Fhome-iu-loen-entertainment-aiming-become-multi-label-organization.htm&layout=button_count&locale=en_US&sdk=joey&send=false&share=false&show_faces=false&width=90|url-status=live}}

On December 18, 2013, LOEN Entertainment acquired 70% of shares in Starship Entertainment, making it an independent subsidiary of the company.{{cite news|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2982315|title=Loen acquires large stake in Starship|last=Lee|first=Sun-min|date=December 19, 2013|work=Korea JoongAng Daily|access-date=February 2, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216091352/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=2982315|url-status=live}}

On January 11, 2016, LOEN Entertainment was acquired by Kakao Corporation.

On May 11, 2017, LOEN Entertainment announced its strategic drama production alliance with CJ E&M's drama production subsidiary Studio Dragon Corporation. Among the plans under the alliance is producing dramas based on web novels and webtoons on KakaoPage and Daum Webtoons (which copyrights are managed by Podotree, the web literature subsidiary of Kakao).{{cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/2017/05/10/loen-entertainment-create-new-drama-production-company-studio-dragon/|title=Loen Entertainment To Create New Drama Production Company With Studio Dragon|author=Kim, U.|work=Soompi|publisher=Viki Inc.|date=May 10, 2017|access-date=June 4, 2017|archive-date=May 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516154354/https://www.soompi.com/2017/05/10/loen-entertainment-create-new-drama-production-company-studio-dragon/|url-status=live}} (LOEN Entertainment first entered the drama production industry three years ago through the cable-web drama Another Parting, which starred Seo In-guk and Wang Ji-won.) On August 25, LOEN Entertainment announced that its joint venture with Studio Dragon will be called as Mega Monster.{{cite web|url=http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2017082502101231043001|title=카카오, '로엔' 주축 자체 제작 동영상 강화|website=Digital Times|last=Jin|first=Hyun-jin|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827045031/http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2017082502101231043001|url-status=live}}

The company has also signed actress Kim So-hyun through setting up her own independent label, E&T Story Entertainment, which is led by her long-time manager Park Chan-woo.{{Cite news|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=851779&year=2017|title=배우 김소현, 로엔과 손잡고 독립 레이블 설립|access-date=December 26, 2017|work=Maeil Business Newspaper|language=ko|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050334/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/culture/view/2017/12/851779/|url-status=live}}

Upon approval by the company's board of directors in a December 20 meeting, the company is known as Kakao M Corporation ({{korean|주식회사 카카오엠}}) since March 23, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://m.news.naver.com/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=105&oid=028&aid=0002403489|title=로엔엔터테인먼트 사명 '카카오M'으로 변경|website=The Hankyoreh|via=Naver|last=Kim|first=Jae-seop|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=May 1, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050403/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/028/0002403489?sid=105|url-status=live}} The letter M in the new corporate name stands for three things: Melon (the company's flagship online music service), Music (the company's core business) and Media (another business that the company will advance to in the future). The company will now also have a corporate catchphrase, We Entertain.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ekn.kr/web/view.php?key=332761|script-title=ko:로엔, 카카오엠으로 사명 변경 예정|trans-title=Loen to change company name to Kakao M|work=Energy Economy|last=Lee|first=Ah-kyung|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=May 1, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=September 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911104159/https://www.ekn.kr/web/view.php?key=332761|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://vip.mk.co.kr/news/view/21/28/615797.html|title=(주)로엔엔터테인먼트 수시공시의무관련사항(공정공시)|work=Maeil Business Newspaper|access-date=December 20, 2017|language=ko|archive-date=December 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226131402/http://vip.mk.co.kr/news/view/21/28/615797.html|url-status=live}}

Barely a month before the company's relaunch under its new name, Sean Seong-hoon Park resigned from both his positions as CEO of the company and chief strategy officer of its parent company, and later moved to Netmarble Games. He was replaced by Melon division head Lee Jae-wook.{{Cite news|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/02/23/0200000000AKR20180223051200033.HTML|title=로엔엔터테인먼트 신임 대표에 이제욱|date=February 23, 2018|work=Yonhap|last=Hong|first=Ji-in|access-date=May 1, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108073645/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2018/02/23/0200000000AKR20180223051200033.HTML|url-status=live}}

On February 28, 2021, Kakao M's music was removed from Spotify after its licensing deal with the streaming service expired. They had addressed the removal in a statement, citing the streaming service as the party who had ensued it.{{cite web |last1=Daly |first1=Rhian |title=Spotify confirm hundreds of K-pop releases removed from platform globally |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/hundreds-k-pop-releases-removed-spotify-worldwide-2890528 |website=NME |date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144324/https://www.nme.com/news/music/hundreds-k-pop-releases-removed-spotify-worldwide-2890528 |url-status=live }} On March 11, 2021, Kakao M renewed its licensing deal with Spotify.{{cite web|last=Stassen|first=Murray|url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-reinstates-k-pop-tracks-from-kakao-entertainment-as-companies-reach-global-licensing-deal|title=Spotify reinstates K-Pop tracks from Kakao Entertainment as companies reach global licensing deal|date=March 11, 2021|website=Music Business Worldwide|access-date=March 11, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311135932/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/spotify-reinstates-k-pop-tracks-from-kakao-entertainment-as-companies-reach-global-licensing-deal/|url-status=live}}

In March 2021, Kakao M and KakaoPage merged into a company named Kakao Entertainment, while having its own representative system under the name "M Company" there.{{Cite web|last=Jo|first=Ah-ra|date=2021-03-04|title=카카오페이지, 웹소설 스타트업에 300억 배팅, 이유는? - 머니투데이|url=https://www.hankyung.com/it/article/202103048042g|access-date=2021-02-16|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309213641/https://www.hankyung.com/it/article/202103048042g|url-status=live}}

The company name was Kakao M, the letter M standing for:

• Melon (the company's flagship online music service)
• Music (the company's core business)
• Media (another business that the company would advance to in the future)

File:YBMSeoulRecords.jpg|The company's logos as YBM Seoul Records (2000–2008)

File:LOEN Entertainment.png|The company's logos as LOEN Entertainment (2008–2018)

File:Logo of Kakao M.svg|The company's logos as Kakao M (2018–2021)

{{as of|2015}}, Kakao M used two types of catalog number codes for its releases: the L10000**** series (later at the -5000 suffix) and the L20000**** series (later at the -1000 suffix).

2011

LOEN Entertainment, along with then-parent SK Telecom, was one of the 15 companies fined and sued by the Korean FTC for price rigging in 2011. The company was fined $9.6 million for its role in the scheme.{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}}

2016

On October 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Korea handed out a 100 million won fine each to LOEN Entertainment and its closest competitor Genie Music (then known as KT Music) for colluding in price fixing, dating back to a case filed in 2008. Co-CEO Shin Won-soo, who was the sole CEO at the time being, was also sentenced to pay 10 million won.{{cite news|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2016/10/123_215715.html|title=Loen, KT Music fined for music source price-fixing|date=October 9, 2016|work=The Korea Times|access-date=October 12, 2016|author=Yoon, Sung-won|archive-date=October 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012075933/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2016/10/123_215715.html|url-status=live}}

On September 26, 2019, it was revealed that 3 former executives of the company have been charged with stealing 18.2 billion won in royalties from Melon, artists, and producers.{{cite news|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=101&oid=001&aid=0011104386|title='저작권료 182억 꿀꺽' 전 멜론 관계자 3명 재판행|date=September 26, 2019|work=Yonhap News Agency |last=Jeong|first=Rae-won|access-date=September 27, 2019|language=ko|archive-date=March 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301041513/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=101&oid=001&aid=0011104386|url-status=live}}

In 2013, LOEN Entertainment made a deal with C-JeS Entertainment to promote and distribute Junsu's second studio album Incredible. Days before the album's release, C-Jes was reportedly notified by LOEN that they would distribute the album but had scrapped plans for promotional marketing and broadcasting Junsu's upcoming showcase on MelOn, although they would be able to broadcast it on LOEN TV. Promotional banners regarding the album's release on MelOn also disappeared from LOEN's social media accounts. C-JeS subsequently threatened to remove mentions of LOEN from Junsu's upcoming showcase and to file for a civil appeal to the Fair Trade Commission and Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.{{Cite web|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20130709n20424|script-title=ko:씨제스 "로엔, 준수 홍보 파기는 갑의 횡포"- 로엔 "긴급회의 중"|website=Yonhap News Agency|via=Nate|last=Oh|first=Dae-Sung|date=July 9, 2013|language=ko|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510150646/https://news.nate.com/view/20130709n20424|url-status=live}}

In response, LOEN Entertainment stated that they were still in discussions regarding the album's promotion and that nothing had been confirmed prior to the relevant article's release. They pointed to the showcase event page on MelOn's homepage still being up as evidence that promotions were going ahead as planned. C-JeS responded saying that they had begun receiving pre-orders for the album and entries for the showcase event without a response from LOEN.{{Cite web|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20130709n28441|script-title=ko:김준수 계약파기? 로엔 측 "계약 협의단계일뿐…결정된 사항無"|website=Yonhap News Agency|via=Nate|last=Kim|first=Ye-na|date=July 9, 2013|language=ko|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=March 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318012110/http://news.nate.com/view/20130709n28441|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20130709n33221|script-title=ko:김준수 측, 로엔 해명 재반박 "협의단계일 뿐이었다고?"|website=Yonhap News Agency|via=Nate|last=Kim|first=Jong-hyo|date=July 9, 2013|language=ko|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-date=March 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317234506/http://news.nate.com/view/20130709n33221|url-status=live}}

Following media attention, the two companies met on July 8 and resolved the dispute. Incredible was promoted and distributed by LOEN as planned.{{Cite web|url=http://thestar.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/07/10/2013071001298.html|script-title=ko:XIA 준수 측, "로엔과 원만한 합의..예정대로" :: THE STAR|website=The Star Chosun|access-date=May 9, 2016|language=ko|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630050819/http://thestar.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2013/07/10/2013071001298.html|url-status=live}}

Kakao M had three companies, a concept known as a "company in company" (CIC). The company also planned to set up another one in the future.{{cite news|url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2018/03/kakao-m-formerly-loen-entertainment-reveals-new-corporate-identity-appoints-new-ceo|title=Kakao M, formerly Loen Entertainment, reveals new corporate identity + appoints new CEO|author=beansss|work=allkpop|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012925/https://www.allkpop.com/article/2018/03/kakao-m-formerly-loen-entertainment-reveals-new-corporate-identity-appoints-new-ceo|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2018032510491224811|title=로엔, '카카오M'으로 새출발…'K-컬쳐 리더' 발돋움|author=Lee, Hae-in|work={{ill|Money Today|ko|머니투데이}}|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 29, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327023426/http://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2018032510491224811|url-status=live}}

{{Further|Melon (online music service)}}

Melon Company{{cite web|url=http://www.kakao-m.com/pages/business/melon|title=Melon Company|publisher=kakao M Corporation|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050336/https://www.kakaoent.com/|url-status=live}} ({{korean|멜론컴퍼니||mellon keompeoni}}) was Kakao M's online music service company, operating Melon (short for melody on),{{cite news|url=http://www.soompi.com/2013/09/25/loen-entertainment-to-split-their-artist-division-into-multiple-labels/|title=LOEN Entertainment to Split Their Artist Division into Multiple Labels|author=lordbordem|date=September 25, 2013|work=Soompi|access-date=November 13, 2013|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804044847/https://www.soompi.com/2013/09/25/loen-entertainment-to-split-their-artist-division-into-multiple-labels/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://life.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?Total_ID=6812198&ctg=12&sid=5899|title=Shin Won-soo, representing Korea's largest OMS, "MelOn"|work=JoongAng Ilbo|author1=Seung, Si-yeon |author2=Park, Jong-geun|date=December 3, 2011|access-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213044251/http://life.joins.com/news/article/article.asp?Total_ID=6812198&ctg=12&sid=5899|archive-date=December 13, 2013|url-status=dead}} the most popular music service in Korea, with 59% of all users in South Korea {{as of|2013|November|lc=y}}. That year Soompi ranked MelOn as the third most influential entity in the K-pop industry.{{cite news|url=http://www.soompi.com/2013/11/03/the-top-10-most-influential-entities-of-k-pop/|title=The Top 10 Most Influential Entities of K-Pop|author=jun2yng|work=Soompi|date=November 3, 2013|access-date=November 16, 2013|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110044850/http://www.soompi.com/2013/11/03/the-top-10-most-influential-entities-of-k-pop/|url-status=live}}

File:LOEN Music and 1theK Logos.PNG

Music Content Company{{cite web|url=http://www.kakao-m.com/pages/business/music|title=Music Content Company|publisher=kakao M Corporation|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404201415/https://www.kakao-m.com/pages/business/music|url-status=live}} ({{korean|음악컨텐츠컴퍼니||eum-ak keontencheu keompeoni}}) was Kakao M's music content production company, which included the music content brand 1theK (which was known as LOEN Music before February 2014), the ticket selling portal Melon Ticket{{cite news|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/02/loen-music-changes-its-name-to-1thek|title=LOEN MUSIC changes its name to 1theK|author=alim17|work=allkpop|date=February 17, 2014|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=March 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302193027/http://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/02/loen-music-changes-its-name-to-1thek|url-status=live}} and distributed over 300 titles per year, working with independent agencies to invest in music production. The name '1theK' indicated its aim of creating one source for worldwide K-pop content.{{cite news|url=http://www.etnews.com/20140220000006|title=로엔, 글로벌 케이팝 대표 브랜드 '1theK(원더케이)' 론칭 (LOEN launches global K-pop flagship brand 1theK)|author=Jeon, Ji-yeon|work=Electronic Times|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=February 8, 2016|language=ko|archive-date=February 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213213939/http://www.etnews.com/20140220000006|url-status=live}}

{{Further|List of Kakao M labels}}

Kakao M managed its artists within the companies under its Music Content Company, including LOEN Tree (2012) and Collabodadi (2014). Collabodadi artists were moved to LOEN Tree in September 2015 and later LOEN Tree was renamed as Fave Entertainment in February 2017.

Kakao M acquired independent label Starship Entertainment in 2013 and Cube Entertainment subsidiaries label A Cube Entertainment (which later was renamed Plan A Entertainment) in 2015, as well as King Kong Entertainment (which was acquired by Starship in 2015).

In June 2016, Kakao M established an independent label Mun Hwa In.

In December 2017, Kakao M established a one-person agency E&T Story Entertainment for actress Kim So-hyun, which was led by her long-time manager Park Chan-woo.{{cite web|url=http://m.mbn.co.kr/news/news_view.mbn?cidx=1012&year=2018&no=61306&adtbrdg=e#_adtReady|title=로엔, 김소현 독립레이블 설립…배우 매니지먼트 강화(공식)|access-date=March 23, 2018|archive-date=April 1, 2018|author=Son, Ji-ah|website=MBN Star|date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144653/http://m.mbn.co.kr/news/news_view.mbn?cidx=1012&year=2018&no=61306&adtbrdg=e#_adtReady|url-status=live|language=ko}} As January 2018, Kakao M's independent label Plan A Entertainment has taken over the agency.

On June 27, 2018, Kakao M made strategic investments and created partnerships with three actor management agencies BH Entertainment, J.WIDE Company, Management SOOP, and Korea's leading advertisement model casting agency, Ready Entertainment in order to globalize its content.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1191833wpp/kakao-m-confirms-partnerships-acting-advertisement-agencies|title=Kakao M Confirms Partnerships With Acting And Advertisement Agencies|date=June 27, 2018|access-date=February 13, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204063752/https://www.soompi.com/article/1191833wpp/kakao-m-confirms-partnerships-acting-advertisement-agencies|website=Soompi|author=Park, S.|url-status=live}}

On January 13, 2019, Kakao M acquired independent label Blossom Entertainment.{{Cite web|url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20190102/bkn-20190102134605688-0102_00862_001.html|title=最遲2月完成程序宋仲基事務所將被收購|website=hk.on.cc|date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=January 13, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207014948/https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20190102/bkn-20190102134605688-0102_00862_001.html|url-status=live}}

On February 13, 2019, Kakao M released a statement that Plan A Entertainment and Fave Entertainment will be merging into Play M Entertainment on April 1.{{Cite news|url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2019/02/fave-entertainment-plan-a-entertainment-announce-official-merger|title=Fave Entertainment & Plan A Entertainment announce official merger|website=Allkpop|author=Han, Susan|date=February 13, 2019|access-date=February 13, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204063838/https://www.allkpop.com/article/2019/02/fave-entertainment-plan-a-entertainment-announce-official-merger|url-status=live}}

On January 6, 2020, Kakao M established a new label, EDAM Entertainment, to manage their long-time soloist IU.{{Cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/079/0003308660|title=아이유 새 둥지는 이담 엔터테인먼트|website=No Cut News|last=Kim|first=Hyun-sik|date=January 6, 2020|access-date=March 9, 2020|language=ko|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520050333/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/079/0003308660|url-status=live}}

Video Content Company{{cite web|url=http://www.kakao-m.com/pages/business/video|title=Video Content Company|publisher=kakao M Corporation|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404201321/https://www.kakao-m.com/pages/business/video|url-status=live}} ({{korean|영상콘텐츠컴퍼니||yeongsang keontencheu keompeoni}}) was Kakao M's media production company, which included Krispy Studio (a web content production company) and Mega Monster (formerly Story Plant, a drama production company that Kakao M co-owned with CJ E&M subsidiary Studio Dragon Corporation).

Just almost a week after its name change, Kakao M (through Krispy Studio) acquired a majority (65.7%) stake in Nylon Media Korea, publisher of the Korean edition of beauty and fashion magazine Nylon, from Seoul Cultural Publishers.{{cite news|url=http://www.thebell.co.kr/free/content/ArticleView.asp?key=201803260100049340003081&svccode=00&page=1&sort=thebell_check_time|title=카카오M, 나일론미디어 투자…뷰티 콘텐츠 강화|author=Jung, Yoo-hyun|work=The Bell|date=March 27, 2018|access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331040639/http://www.thebell.co.kr/free/content/ArticleView.asp?key=201803260100049340003081&svccode=00&page=1&sort=thebell_check_time|url-status=live|language=ko}}

In April 2018, Kakao M and its parent company formed the CSR venture Kakao Impact Foundation.{{cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/04/16/0200000000AEN20180416004200320.html|title=Kakao founder establishes charity to foster start-ups|work=Yonhap News Agency|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418032218/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/04/16/0200000000AEN20180416004200320.html|url-status=live}}

{{as of|2021}}, the following companies were the subsidiaries of Kakao M:{{cite news|url=http://m.mt.co.kr/renew/view.html?no=2018051813550220241&ca=&NB|title=카카오톡과 멜론의 만남… 카카오·카카오M 주가는 '시들'|author=Song, Sun-ok|date=May 18, 2018|work={{ill|Money Today|ko|머니투데이}}|access-date=May 20, 2018|language=ko|archive-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521021432/http://m.mt.co.kr/renew/view.html?no=2018051813550220241&ca=&NB|url-status=live}}

• Antenna Entertainment (since 2021)
• Awesome ENT (since 2019)
• BH Entertainment (since 2018)
• Bluedot Entertainment (since 2021)
• E&T Story Entertainment (since 2019)
• EDAM Entertainment (since 2020)
• Flex M (since 2020){{Cite web|title=카카오M, 프로듀서 중심 레이블 '플렉스엠(FLEX-M)' 설립|url=https://m.sedaily.com/NewsView/1YYSJ1NLZW|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104175016/https://m.sedaily.com/NewsView/1YYSJ1NLZW|website=Sedaily|last=Jeong|first=Da-hoon|date=February 4, 2020|archive-date=November 4, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2020|language=ko}}{{Cite web|title=카카오엠, 프로듀서 중심 음악레이블 '플렉스엠' 설립|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202002048304Y|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104171748/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202002048304Y|archive-date=November 4, 2020|website=The Korea Economic Daily|date=February 4, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2020|language=ko}}
• GRAYGO{{efn|formerly Krispy Studio}} (since 2017)
• Maison de Baja{{efn|Founded in 2014 by celebrity stylist {{interlanguage link|Han Hye-yeon|ko|한혜연 (스타일리스트)}}}} (since 2019){{Cite web |url=https://www.btimesonline.com/articles/119483/20190930/celebrities-such-hyun-bin-lee-min-ho-han-hye-yeon.htm |title=Celebrities Such as Hyun Bin, Lee Min Ho and Han Hye Yeon Invest Millions in Kakao M |website=Business Times |last=Lee |first=Debi |date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628023929/https://www.btimesonline.com/articles/119483/20190930/celebrities-such-hyun-bin-lee-min-ho-han-hye-yeon.htm |url-status=live }}
• High Up Entertainment (since 2021)
• J-Wide Company (since 2018)
• Management SOOP (since 2018)
• Mega Monster{{efn|Formerly Story Plant; was affiliated under CJ E&M}} (since 2017)
• Moonlight Film (since 2019){{Cite web |url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190923006900315 |title=Kakao jumps into filmmaking industry |website=Yonhap News Agency |last=Kim |first=Boram |date=September 23, 2019 |access-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101183150/https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190923006900315 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/south-koreas-kakao-corp-moves-into-local-film-industry/5143138.article |title=South Korea's Kakao Corp moves into local film industry |website=Screen Daily |last=Noh |first=Jean |date=September 23, 2019 |access-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104124428/https://www.screendaily.com/news/south-koreas-kakao-corp-moves-into-local-film-industry/5143138.article |url-status=live }}
• MTN Entertainment (since 2020)
• Ready Entertainment (since 2018)
• Sanai Pictures (since 2019)
• Starship Entertainment{{cite news|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/12/loen-entertainment-takes-over-majority-stake-in-starship-entertainment-for-15-billion-won|title=Loen Entertainment takes over majority stake in Starship Entertainment for 15 billion won|author=alim17|date=December 18, 2013|work=Allkpop|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219033634/http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/12/loen-entertainment-takes-over-majority-stake-in-starship-entertainment-for-15-billion-won|url-status=live}} (since 2013)
• Starship X (since 2013)
• Highline Entertainment{{efn|formerly House of Music}} (since 2017)
• King Kong by Starship (since 2015)
• Shownote (since 2019){{Cite web |url=http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20191225000113 |title=Kakao M carries on M&A push with $23m deal |website=The Korea Herald |last=Son |first=Ji-young |date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=May 10, 2020 |archive-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520215040/http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20191225000113 |url-status=live }}
• VAST Entertainment & Media (since 2015)

• Jungseok Building, Teheran-ro 103-gil 17, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul{{efn|Main office, same with GRAYGO and EDAM Entertainment}}
• Star Hill Building, Bongeunsa-ro 151, Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul{{efn|All subsidiaries under the Music Content Company excluding EDAM Entertainment and Flex M}}
• 12/F Hibro Building, Teheran-ro 503, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul{{efn|Flex M}}
• 20/F Sangam DMC Digital Cube, 34 Sangamsan-ro, Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul{{efn|Mega Monster}}

{{Portal|Companies|South Korea}}

• Kakao
• MelOn Music Awards
• SK Group

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.kakao-m.com/|Kakao M official website}} {{in lang|ko|en}}
• [https://kakao-m.recruiter.co.kr/appsite/company/index Kakao M official recruitment site] {{in lang|ko}}

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