Recently, lots of K-pop songs and albums were no longer available for streaming on Spotify worldwide. In particular, works that were distributed by Kakao M have been deleted. And now, the popular streaming platform has confirmed that the removal of K-pop releases has, indeed, been done.
Hundreds of K-pop Songs and Albums Gets Removed from Spotify
Spotify is among the well-known streaming services in the world, with a 35% share of the global music streaming market. On Feb. 1, 2020, the platform has been officially launched in South Korea, and among the K-pop acts with releases on it are Epik High, IU, Zico, MAMAMOO, SEVENTEEN, LOONA, (G)I-DLE, and MONSTA X.
ALSO READ: Spotify Officially Launches in South Korea
However, recently, K-pop songs and albums from these artists have been removed from Spotify. Notably, works distributed by Kakao M have been deleted across the globe. This label is known for its large share of Korean music, charting 37.5% of the songs by its artists on the 2020 Top 400 Yearly Song Chart released by Gaon Music Chart.
After discovering the sudden removal of K-pop songs and albums by their favorite artists, fans took to Twitter to trend the terms "Kakao M" and "Spotify" out of discontent. Some have even canceled their premium subscription after knowing they can no longer stream the majority of the content they are paying for. Besides fans, Tablo of Epik High showed his disappointment via Twitter.
Apparently a disagreement between our distributor Kakao M & Spotify has made our new album Epik High Is Here unavailable globally against our will. Regardless of who is at fault, why is it always the artists and the fans that suffer when businesses place greed over art?
— tablo (@blobyblo) February 28, 2021
Spotify Explains Why K-pop Songs and Albums are No Longer Available on the Platform
In a statement via NME, a British media, Spotify explained that Kakao M's list on the streaming platform would no longer be available to users around the world from March 1. This is because of the expiration of their license between the two parties. A representative from Spotify added that they have been in discussions with Kakao M for over the last year and a half to renew the global licensing agreement.
READ MORE: Spotify Releases '2020 K-pop Global Year-End Closing' + Reveals Most-Streamed K-pop Groups
The agreement between them will allow the K-pop songs and albums released by artists under the Korean label to remain available to more than 345 million Spotify users in around 170 markets all over the world. However, after much deliberation, the existing licensing deal between the two has concluded.
Spotify went on to say, "The fact that we have not yet reached agreement on a new global deal is unfortunate for their artists, as well as for fans and listeners worldwide."
They also expressed their hopes that "this disruption will be temporary" and that they can resolve the matter soon. The streaming platform concluded, "We are committed to working with local rights holders including Kakao M to help grow the Korean music market and overall streaming ecosystem together."
ALSO READ: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE & More: K-Pop Albums with the Most Streams on Spotify Revealed
For starters, MelOn is one of the most popular streaming services in South Korea, where Spotify is also available now. However, from day one, no K-pop songs and albums distributed by Kakao M were available for streaming on Spotify Korea. This is likely because the Korean company is in charge of managing MelOn, Spotify's biggest competitor in the country.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments!
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
