Kakao Entertainment and CJ ENM to Create Global K-Band

by Lee Yiseul

Published 30 Sep.2025 09:05(KST)

Company emblems. Provided by Kakao Entertainment and CJ ENM

Kakao Entertainment announced on September 30 that it will join forces with CJ ENM to produce a global K-band. The two companies will launch a next-generation band-making project through Mnet's new program "Steel Heart Club."

Kakao Entertainment will be responsible for music distribution within the program, as well as album planning, production, and management for the final band. CJ ENM will plan and produce the program, capturing the survival process of the participants. By combining Kakao Entertainment's music and artist IP business capabilities with CJ ENM's content production expertise, the companies aim to introduce a new iconic band that can succeed in the global market.

"Steel Heart Club" will premiere on October 21 at 10 p.m. It is a survival program where participants compete by band position-guitar, drums, bass, vocals, and keyboard-for the title of "ultimate headliner band." Actress Moon Gayoung will serve as MC, while Jung Yonghwa, Lee Jangwon, Sunwoo Junga, and Ha Sungwoon will participate as directors.

Kakao Entertainment plans to release the participants' music on domestic and international platforms and provide comprehensive support for the debut band's album release and live performances. CJ ENM, building on its experience with audition formats such as "Superstar K," "Show Me the Money," "Boys Planet," and "I-Land," aims to expand this format to the band genre and present a global fan participation model.

A Kakao Entertainment representative stated, "'Steel Heart Club' is a project that combines the strengths of both companies and will bring new energy to the global K-band scene. We hope music fans around the world will look forward to the birth of a new rookie band they can support together."