Why BLACKPINK’s Rosé Became The First K-Pop Artist in 20+ Years To Pull Out Of The KOMCA

On February 19, it was reported that BLACKPINK‘s Rosé withdrew from KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association).

BLACKPINK’s Rosé | Atlantic Records

According to an exclusive report from Dispatch, Rosé applied for the termination of her contract with KOMCA on October 31, 2024. After the three-month grace period ended, the termination of her contract was confirmed on January 31, 2025. Rosé is the first Korean artist since 2002 to withdraw from KOMCA when Seo Taiji decided he would not renew his contract with the organization.

Some have questioned what this means for her and her music, and some are confused about what it means in general.

To start, KOMCA is the organization that is responsible for managing music copyrights and royalties for songwriters in South Korea. It is not to be confused with KMCA (Korean Music Content Association), the organization that oversees digital music charts and the distribution of music content in Korea, and was criticized for proposing a boycott of NJZ (NewJeans).

Netizens Slam KMCA For Proposed Boycott Of NewJeans And Other Groups

Rosé terminating her contract means that U.S. publishers will now handle her music copyrights and profits. Industry experts believe this was done to handle the massive global demand for the idol more efficiently.

This is also said to speed up revenue distribution, as there are fewer levels to go through between the agencies that handle her copyrights in America and those in Korea. This should increase revenue and allow Rosé to fully own her music and its distribution.

For fans, this could mean more international promotions and releases from Rosé rather than just focusing on Korea-based activities.

Only time will tell exactly how this career-changing move will affect Rosé, but it has also proven her global impact!

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