Spotify loses K-pop songs licensed by Kakao M

When Spotify launched in South Korea last month, it didn’t have some K-pop songs — more specifically, music that are distributed by Kakao M. Now, the Spotify worldwide will also face the same fate, losing all the artists and music that are under the Korean label.

Spotify and Kakao M have not come to an agreement

A Spotify spokesperson also confirmed to NME that this situation is caused by an expiration of license, but Spotify is trying to resolve the issue. This means that both companies are still discussing on renewing the license and if all goes well, Spotify users will be able to enjoy their K-pop songs again.

IU, Mamamoo, Seventeen amongst those affected

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?

— 에픽하이 타블로 | Tablo of Epik High (@blobyblo) February 28, 2021

Do note that not all K-pop artists are affected; major artist under Kakao M includes Seventeen, Mamamoo, Epik High and more. Tablo from Epic High also responded to the situation via a tweet that says, “Regardless of who is at fault, why is it always the artists and the fans that suffer when businesses place greed over art?”

Fans are also unhappy about this change, hoping for a solution as soon as possible. Both Kakao M and Spotify have yet to release an official statement. Here’s another major change for Spotify users in March.