Kakao Entertainment’s Berriz is rapidly gaining a foothold as a new playground for global K-culture fans with its star-studded IP lineup and cutting-edge AI services. It is positioning itself as a global platform, with nearly half of its users coming from overseas.
Berriz serves as an online communication space for diverse K-culture IP, ranging from artists like IVE, IU, MONSTA X, and WOODZ to series like “Tempest.” On the platform, users can closely interact with K-pop artists through livestreams, chat with AI personas modeled after popular drama characters, and explore witty keywords generated from their own comments. But Berriz is going even further – it will open fan communities for Kakao Entertainment’s buzz-worthy actor audition, shortly after creating one for the popular music audition show “The Ballad of Us,” adding another layer of participation for users.
The platform has also elevated entertainment through its leading-edge AI-driven services. For fans of the Disney+ original series “Tempest,” starring Gianna Jun and Gang Dong-won, it opened a new section modeled on the concept of a live press conference. In this section, lifelike AI persona of Gang’s character Sanho – an ace from a world-renowned mercenary company whose true identity remains shrouded in secrecy – responds to users’ questions posed like reporters’ inquiries in the comments. With this creative approach, Berriz has expanded the series’ fictional universe, drawing in numerous fans. The platform also features an AI Comment Report service, which analyzes fan comments and classifies them into humorous keywords – providing a new, unprecedented way to enrich the user content experience.
Kakao Entertainment Actors Audition: Space to take closer look at audition hopefuls
For the 2025 Kakao Entertainment Actors Audition, Berriz is set to open a fan community on Sept. 25. It will not only bring together the followers of 11 successful applicants – those who passed the second round of the competition – but also enable them to vote for their favorites. The audition, hosted by Kakao Entertainment and six of its subsidiary talent houses, aims to discover rookie actors to spearhead the next generation. On Berriz, a variety of eye-catching features ranging from the applicants’ profiles and acting videos to childhood photos will be shared to offer an in-depth look at each individual. Their expert training footage and behind-the-scenes assets will also be available to provide a snapshot of their audition journey.
Berriz users can root for their favorites by clicking “Like” on the applicants’ profile images and audition videos and sharing comments backing them. Their support will be converted into scores for the third round of competition alongside the judges’ evaluations. By championing the next big global stars and forming a special bond even before their debuts, Berriz users will be able to experience a different kind of fun found nowhere else. Since the applicants can also use the platform to showcase their talents and engage closely with early fans, they can boost fan interaction while laying the foundation for their growth.
‘The Ballad of Us’: Space to chat about timeless K-ballads, talented contestants
The fan community of SBS’ music audition program “The Ballad of Us,” which premiered on Sept. 23, is also generating buzz. The program, centered on K-ballads that have accompanied people through every moment of their lives, intends to find the new voices of 2025 to re-sing these beloved songs from the past. The contestants’ emotionally stirring performances, combined with the chemistry of judges who truly understand the musical tastes of the public, have captured viewers’ attention and earned rave reviews.
After watching the program, viewers are gathering on Berriz to share nostalgic memories, support the participants, and discuss the judges, discovering a fresh way to fully immerse themselves in the show. By exchanging opinions and emotions with other fans, Berriz users are enjoying the program on a deeper level through interactive engagement.
“Berriz is a playground where all kinds of K-culture enthusiasts worldwide can come together and communicate,” said Kakao Entertainment. “We will continue to explore diverse new approaches, allowing fans to enjoy a more entertaining and multi-dimensional experience.”
Source: Press Release
