New Strategic Partnership
Titan Content has formed a strategic partnership with Imperial Music Republic Records to debut a new girl group of seven members this summer.
The group, named Atheart, has released their first video teaser and launched official social media channels, planning to share songs and videos leading up to their debut on March 14.
Titan Content, which describes itself as “The world’s first leading music company K-POP with headquarters in the United States”, initially announced Atheart in July 2024 with members Michi, Caitlin, Seokhen, Aurora, Bom, Arin, and Nakhyun, who were revealed individually over time.
Creative Support and Future Aspirations
The group is backed by a creative team of industry experts from the United States and South Korea, contributing to the global popularity of K-POP, according to a press release last Friday (February 21).
“We are thrilled to work with Titan on their new girl group, Atheart. When we first heard the music, we immediately realized it was special,” stated Glenn Mendelinger, EVP of Republic Records and President of Imperial Music.
“Nikki, Katie, and the Titan leadership are a formidable team with a deep understanding of artist development. They bring a fresh perspective to K-POP, and together with the experience of Imperial Music, we have immense aspirations and opportunities.”
Founded in 2021 as a division of Republic Records, Imperial Music has achieved 30 million adjusted album sales for their artists. The label has reached 23 top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, including eighteen in the top 5 and six No. 1 albums from Wandering children, along with No. 1 albums from Twice and Tomorrow X Together.
“The Imperial team has an incredible track record of developing global stars, and their unparalleled expertise makes them an ideal partner for this venture,” said Titan Content General Director Katie Kan.
“Our vision for Atheart is perfectly aligned, and we deeply respect their commitment to excellence and innovation. Together, we are poised to break new ground and shape the future of K-POP. Fans worldwide should prepare for something truly extraordinary.”
The Future of K-POP
Titan Content is led by Nikki Semin Khan, former CEO of SM Entertainment, who launched Titan Content in November 2023 and subsequently held global auditions for the “next wave of global K-POP superstars.”
The first round of auditions took place from January to March 2024 in North America and Australia.
Titan’s leadership team also includes CEO Katy Kan, CBO Rodriguez’s house, Chief Visual Officer Guiom Lee, and Chief Executive Director Lia Kim.
Meanwhile, Imperial Music’s roster features established superstars and emerging talents, including Yung Gravy & Bbno$, Burnham, G Herbo, Itzy, and Tomorrow X Together.
This collaboration marks the latest move by Imperial Music in the K-POP scene after expanding its global strategic alliance with JYP Entertainment in June 2023 to further promote K-POP artists worldwide.
This development reflects the growing trend of K-POP companies collaborating with international entertainment firms to promote K-POP music and discover talent globally.
On Friday (February 20), entertainment powerhouse Hybe announced its collaboration with four-time Grammy Award winner Ryan Tedder to search for and create a next-generation boy group.
The partnership aims to set a “new standard for artist development” by combining Hybe’s K-POP infrastructure with Tedder’s expertise in creating hits and artist development, according to a press release.
Separately, in November 2023, SM Entertainment partnered with the British production company Moon & Back Media to develop a British boy group, combining K-POP training methodologies with Western television production.
The initiative concluded in 2024 with the debut of Deralice, a British boy group, documented in the BBC One series Made in Korea: K-Pop Experience, which showcased the 100-day training process of participants in South Korea, providing insight into the K-POP artist development system.
