The upcoming platform is poised to become the biggest online community in K-pop, boasting the likes of Blackpink, EXO and Twice – some of the biggest acts in the industry who are active on V Live. Positioned as an all-encompassing fandom platform where fans can purchase merchandise and book concert tickets, it began with in-house artists such as BTS and TXT before signing on artists from other labels including GFriend and Seventeen, as well as British pop trio New Hope Club. Years later, HYBE, then Big Hit, also launched Weverse. As of December, the platform had racked up a total of 100 million downloads globally. Idols can upload content such as vlogs and exclusive interviews, as well as livestream performances. Launched in 2015, V Live became a go-to streaming platform for young K-pop fans as the music took over the world.

The decision, which was made last week, comes after the FTC concluded the move is unlikely to reduce competition in the market following a review.įollowing a greenlight from the regulators, the move will see Weverse Company, a subsidiary of HYBE, take over V Live and Naver will acquire a 49 percent share in the company in turn with plans to create a “whole new global fan community platform.”Įarlier this year, HYBE announced plans to work with Naver as it said the two firms will “maximize their synergy” by combining its “long-accumulated experience in the entertainment scene” and Naver’s focus on “technological strengths.” The Korea Fair Trade Commission said on Thursday it has approved a merger deal between web portal giant Naver’s streaming platform V Live and Weverse, a fan community platform created by entertainment company HYBE.

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