From MONSTA X to IVE to WOODZ, artists under Kakao Entertainment’s music labels are going global in full force, rapidly expanding their fandom far and wide. In addition to releasing localized albums and embarking on global tours, they are joining the star-studded lineups of world-renowned music festivals, solidifying their clout worldwide.
MONSTA X (Starship Entertainment)
At the forefront of this push is MONSTA X, which wrapped up its “2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X” concert at the KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Olympic Park on July 18-20, and plans to hold additional shows at PIA ARENA MM in Yokohama on Aug 27-28 in celebration of its 10th debut anniversary. Prior to heading to Japan, the group will take part in KCON LA 2025, a flagship Korean music and culture festival set to take place at Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center on Aug 1-3.
During the “CONNECT X” show in Korea – MONSTA X’s first full-group performance in three years – the members swept an audience of approximately 29,000 off their feet, opening the extravaganza with the powerful “BEASTMODE” before boosting the festive mood with smash hits like “Trespass” and “FOLLOW.” Underlining their live performance skills, explosive energy, broad musical spectrum and unity as a team, the concert was clear proof of MONSTA X’s irreplaceable presence as a global performer.
One of the highlights was the group’s take on “Fire & Ice,” a song written by member Hyungwon, which will be included in MONSTA X’s much-anticipated new album. Scheduled for release on September 1, the album is a project encapsulating the group’s musical identity shaped over the past decade. Given that its May release “NOW PROJECT vol. 1” – featuring the six members’ re-recorded versions of songs dropped between 2021 and 2023 – grabbed the No. 1 spot on the iTunes Top K-Pop Music Album chart in eight countries/regions including the U.S. and France and entered the TOP 10 in 18 countries/regions, the upcoming album is expected to see similarly impressive chart success.
IVE (Starship Entertainment)
IVE left the crowd in awe with its commanding 60-minute live band set at Lollapalooza Paris, held at the Paris Longchamp Racecourse on July 20, further cementing its status as a global festival act. Clad in black and burgundy, the group enthralled the audience with its mega-hits including “REBEL HEART,” “I AM,” “KITSCH,” and “TKO,” bringing its overflowing energy and stage presence to the fore. After sparking a rousing Korean singalong at the heart of France’s capital, IVE went on to lead an English singalong with its compelling take on the English single “All Night,” delivering a heartful performance that transcended boundaries and forged a true bond with local fans.
Just a week earlier on July 12, IVE lit up the stage at Lollapalooza Berlin held at Olympiastadion & Olympiapark Berlin, electrifying people with a full live band set that showcased its diverse musical palette. Having made its Lollapalooza debut in Chicago in 2024, IVE has now become the first K-pop girl group to participate in Lollapalooza three times.
IVE has been rapidly amplifying its global visibility, with the group holding its first world tour in 2024 while dominating music charts at home and abroad with its third EP “IVE EMPATHY” featuring “REBEL HEART” and “ATTITUDE.” Its Japanese single “DARE ME” also made waves on local charts, showcasing its growing influence in the region. Building on this momentum, IVE plans to unleash its third Japanese EP “Be Alright” on July 30. On Sept. 15, it will take part in “Rock in Japan Festival 2025,” bringing its musical charm to one of Japan’s major music events.
WOODZ (EDAM Entertainment)
WOODZ will also have a hectic year following his military discharge on July 21. He launched his first global fan community since debut on Berriz – a K-culture fan platform created by Kakao Entertainment – on the same day, and is set to host a livestream at 8 p.m. on July 22 (KST) to greet his fans, catch up, and share his upcoming plans.
WOODZ is then poised to electrify the stage at the prominent Japanese music festival “Summer Sonic 2025” in Tokyo (Aug. 16) and in Osaka (Aug. 17), as well as at a variety of festivals across Korea to exhibit his strength as a live performer. Known for building a unique musical universe through his production and songwriting skills, WOODZ has established a powerful global fandom throughout his career. Notably, he caused a sensation in the music scene with his 2023 song “Drowning,” which became a sleeper hit while he was fulfilling his military service. It conquered major streaming charts in Korea for months while clinching 1st place on a music show, raising sky-high expectations for his upcoming musical activities.
Dragon Pony (Antenna)
Another artist in the spotlight is Dragon Pony, a rising K-band rookie with a growing fandom. Since its debut in September, the band has gained recognition for its live performance prowess, participating in a series of acclaimed festivals both domestically and internationally. Most recently, Dragon Pony owned the stage at “TheNextwave XX25 Beach Music Festival” in Hong Kong on July 6, shortly after mesmerizing audiences with its dynamic K-band energy at the “ASEAN•Korea Music Festival 2025 ROUND in Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur on June 21-22. Prior to that, the band garnered attention for selling out solo concerts in Taipei and Seoul in May. Armed with a powerful yet refreshing band sound, Dragon Pony plans to extend its winning streak at upcoming festivals including the “2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival” and will roll out a new digital single “DS,” set for launch on July 29. The single is being officially released following strong fan demand after the band unveiled it at concerts and various festivals.
