Introduction to Chapter-I
CJ ENM has launched a new joint venture with Hakuhodo Inc., a Japanese entertainment and advertising giant. This partnership aims to create music intellectual properties for international audiences across Asia. The venture, named Chapter-I, symbolizes "the first chapter in which dreams begin" and represents a new creative direction for both partners.
Partnership Details
The cooperation between CJ ENM and Hakuhodo Inc. will combine CJ ENM’s success in creating music content and talent development through its Music Creative Ecosystem (MCS) with data-driven market solutions and marketing skills from Hakuhodo. The partnership aims to promote industry innovation through new audition formats that cater to the development of target groups in various markets.
First Project: Impression Rapstar
The first project of Chapter-I will be "Impression Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess", a survival show co-produced by Korea and Japan, set to launch in October. This program is a global expansion of Mnet’s "Impression Rapstar" franchise, which debuted in 2015 as Korea’s first rapper competition series. The new iteration will combine the creative teams behind "Impression Rapstar" and the hit dance competition "Street Woman Fighter" with Hakuhodo’s marketing skills to find versatile global artists who excel in rap, dance, and music production.
Ambitions and Goals
The ambitions of Chapter-I go far beyond television production. The venture plans to engage in talent development, music production, content distribution, live performances, and merchandising, positioning themselves as key players in the global music ecosystem. Chapter-I forms a cornerstone of CJ ENM’s 2025 Global Music Business Roadmap, which revolves around three strategic columns: global label, global content, and global platforms.
About CJ ENM and Hakuhodo Inc.
CJ ENM is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025 and continues to expand the global footprint of K-culture across several entertainment platforms. The company’s portfolio includes the Oscar-winning film "Parasite", Tony Award-winning musicals like "Kinky Boots", the hit series "Queen of Tears", and the music competition format "I Can See Your Voice". CJ ENM also manages various K-pop acts and operates significant cultural events such as Kcon, the world’s largest K-pop fan festival, and the MAMA Awards. Hakuhodo Inc., founded in 1895, brings over a century of advertising and marketing expertise, supporting clients in Japan and international markets with creative solutions that extend through advertising, management consulting, and social impact initiatives.
