Antenna (record label) explained

Antenna
Native Name:(주)안테나
Native Name Lang:ko
Founder:You Hee-yeol
Key People:You Hee-yeol (CEO)
Parent:Kakao Entertainment (since 2021)
Former Name:Toy Music (1997–2007)
Antenna Music (2007–2014)
Antenna Co. Ltd. (2015–present)
Location City:32-10, Eonju-ro 135-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Location Country:South Korea

Antenna is a South Korean music and entertainment agency founded by You Hee-yeol of the project band Toy in 1997. Formerly an independent label, it was fully incorporated as a subsidiary under Kakao Entertainment in August 2021. Antenna is known for its motto: "Good people, good music, good laughter".

History

1997-2011: Formation and first generation of artists

South Korean musician You Hee-yeol, known as Toy, founded the indie record label "Toy Music" in 1997. In the early years, the label had produced and published several albums for artists including Lucid Fall, Kim Yeon-woo and You Hee-yeol himself as Toy.

In 2007, the label's name was changed from "Toy Music" to "Antenna Music". It means introducing music that is faithful to the essence of music and spreading good musical waves to everyone even if it is a small radio wave.[1] [2] In the same year, Antenna Music debuted South Korean rock band Dear Cloud.[3] [4]

In 2008, the modern electronic band Peppertones signed under Antenna Music. On September, Antenna Music signed pianist and film musician Jung Jae-hyung[5] after completing his degree from the École Normale de Musique de Paris.[6] Singer-songwriter Park Sae-byul debuted the same year under the agency.[7] [8]

In April 2010, the first label concert called "The Great Disappointment Show" was held as a gimmick to prove the best vocal artist of the agency.[9]

In 2011, with the success of the first label concert, a second label concert was held called "Antenna Music Warriors: Yes, we are together" with a follow-up concert called "Encore Antenna Music Warriors Concert: Always, We Are Together".[10] [11] [12]

2013-2020: 2nd generation of artists and producers

From 2013 to 2017, You Hee-yeol served as a judge on Seasons 3–6 of the reality television competition show K-pop Star. During this time, Sam Kim, Kwon Jin-ah, Jung Seung-hwan, Lee Jin-ah and Lee Soo-jung signed to the label after successfully auditioning for the program and finishing in the top three of their respective seasons.[13] [14] [15]

In 2015, the name "Antenna Music" was changed to "Antenna Co., Ltd" also known as just "Antenna".[16]

On April 10, 2016, Sam Kim debuted with his E.P. called "My Name is Sam".[17] Lee Jin-ah then made her debut under the label with the single "I'm Full" on June 10.[18] Kwon Jin-ah also made her debut with the full-length studio album called "One Strange Night" on September 19.[19] On September 23–25, the third label concert was held called "Hello Antenna:The Label Concert". This is a joint concert between the "Antenna Warriors" (Seniors namely: You Hee-yeol, Jung Jae-hyung, Lucid Fall, Peppertones and Park Sae-byul) and "Antenna Angels" (Juniors namely: Sam Kim, Kwon Jin-ah, Jung Seung-hwan, Lee Jin-ah) with the exception of Lee Soo-jung who was in the U.S. at the time to focus on finishing her studies.[20] [21] [22] On November 29, Jung Seung-hwan made his debut with the EP "Voice".[23]

In March 2017, "Antenna Angels", had their first joint concert named "We, Begin".[24] Antenna had another label concert tour named "With, Antenna" where all the label artists performed for the first time in 5 cities both of South Korea and U.S. namely Seoul, Busan, Daegu, L.A., and New York[25]

On March 18, 2019, Antenna announced that they had signed jazz pianist and producer Yun Seok-cheol.[26] On June 19, Lee Soo-jung (Chai) released her first single under the label called, "Give and Take".[27]

In 2020, with the difficulties caused by global pandemic COVID-19, the label held online contents and live streams under the tag "Everything is OK" with Antenna. A re-released song by Peppertones named "Everything Is OK" (with Antenna Ver.) became its theme song where the Antenna's artists participated. All proceeds were used for the purpose of overcoming COVID-19.[28] On September 1, Antenna signed singer-songwriter and guitarist Jukjae.[29] He was followed by composer and producer Seo Dong-hwan who joined on November 30.[30] On December 20, Antenna's first agency Christmas carol named "Our Christmas Wish For You" was released that featured all their artists at that time.

2021: Partnership with Kakao Entertainment

In March 2021, Antenna acquired a new office building located at Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is their first privately owned office building after 14 years.[31] In May 2021, Kakao Entertainment acquired 19% of Antenna's shares, establishing a strategic partnership between the two companies.[32] [33] On May 1, Antenna announced Lee Soo-Jung's departure from the company. On July 14, Antenna had signed television personality Yoo Jae-suk, the first non-musician to be managed by the label.[34] On August 17, Kakao acquired Antenna's remaining shares, making it a fully owned subsidiary.[35] On October 1, Kakao TV's "Dereumyi TV: Udang Tangtang Antenna" (Clumsy Antenna) was aired as an entertainment project with the goal to promote and showcase the charm of Antenna's artists.[36] On November 17, Antenna had signed singer, dancer, entertainer and Lovelyz member Mijoo.[37] On December 1, Antenna released their second agency Christmas carol named "Hello Antenna, Hello Christmas" featuring all their artists and producers including newly signed Yoo Jae Suk and Mijoo.

2022-Present: Agency Expansion and New Music, Film and Entertainment artists

On January 7, 2022, Antenna had signed producer from Super Band 2 and member of Lofibaby, Meum and THE FIX, Hwang Hyeon-jo.[38] On November 15, Antenna established an independent entertainment studio through Antenna Plus. As a start, a YouTube Channel called "Ddeun Ddeun" was opened to create a variety of content.[39] On November 21, singer-songwriter, DJ and guitarist Lee Sang-soon signed with the company.[40]

On February 26, 2023, it was announced that Antenna had signed singer and television personality Lee Hyori following her husband Lee Sang-soon.[41] On May 17, Mijoo had her debut single album under Antenna called "Movie Star" with a lead single of the same name and a ballad track, "Miss You".[42] On June 30, Jukjae's contract expired and left Antenna. In July 2023, CEO You Hee-yeol bought back 21.37% of Antenna shares[43] which was followed by Yoo Jae-suk buying 20.7% stake leaving Kakao Entertainment with 57.93% stake.[44] On August 6, Antenna debuted a new artist, singer-songwriter and producer Drewboi (Park Jong-hyuk) with his single "Sunday".[45] On August 7, Antenna announced that they had signed singer, musical theatre actor and Super Junior member, Cho Kyu-hyun.[46] [47] On October 12, Lee Hyori made her comeback with her first single under Antenna called "HOODIE E BANBAJI(후디에 반바지)".[48] On November 1, Antenna officially signed its first actor Lee Seo-jin.[49]

On January 9 of 2024, Cho Kyu-hyun released a new EP called Restart; his first solo album under Antenna.[50] On January 16, Antenna announced that they had signed all-round entertainer Yang Se-chan.[51] On March 7, Jeju Air announced a business agreement with Antenna allowing both companies to collaborate on projects that would include production of in-flight music, Antenna wrapped aircraft, and making of joint online and offline contents.[52] [53] On March 8, Antenna announced Sam Kim's departure from the company after 10 years since his debut.[54] On March 19, Antenna introduces their first boy band to debut called Dragon Pony consisting of four members: vocalist Ahn Tae-gyu, bassist Pyeon Seong-hyeon, guitarist Kwon Se-hyuk, and drummer Ko Kang-hoon.[55] Dragon Pony was given two debut missions of achieving 20,000 followers on their official SNS (Instagram), and having a solo concert with 500 audience member with their own strategies; both of which were accomplished with the band exceeding the said number of followers and a sold-out concert that concluded on June 29.[56] [57] On July 4, Lee Sang-soon released his first digital single under the company titled "Perfect Day"[58]

Artists

Soloists

Groups

Music Producer

Entertainer

Actors

Former artists

Label Concerts and Tours

Shows

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kwon . Soo-bin . 2013-11-25 . Yoo Hee-yeol "You mean Antenna Music? It means to spread music widely." .
  2. Web site: Hwang . Hye-jin . 2017-04-06 . 'Happy Life' Yoo Hee-yeol "Antenna's favorite musician? Jeong Jae-hyeong" .
  3. Web site: 2007-10-31 . '와플선기' 김재욱, 뮤비서 '천사와 악마' 두 얼굴 . 2023-08-05 . 아이뉴스24 . ko.
  4. Web site: 2017-12-19 . 디어클라우드 나인, 누구길래?…안타까운 연예계 사건과 함께 화제 . 2023-08-14 . 톱스타뉴스 . ko.
  5. Web site: 2008-09-30 . 정재형, 토이 유희열·루시드폴과 한솥밥 . 2023-08-05 . 스타뉴스 . ko.
  6. Web site: Jung Jae-hyung. KBS World. fr. July 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091157/http://world.kbs.co.kr/french/program/program_artist_detail.htm?No=104835. March 4, 2016. dead.
  7. Web site: www.etnews.com . 2008-11-12 . [금주의 아티스트]박새별 ]. 2023-08-05 . 미래를 보는 신문 - 전자신문 . ko.
  8. Web site: 2010-06-05 . '대실망쇼'의 반전 박새별(인터뷰) . 2023-08-05 . 이데일리 . ko.
  9. Web site: 2010-04-26 . '대 실망쇼'는 '개그콘서트'?···엽기+발랄했던 두 시간① . 2023-08-05 . 이데일리 . ko.
  10. Web site: [Opinion] 혹시 '안테나' 좋아하십니까 [음악] ]. 2023-08-04 . 아트인사이트 . ko.
  11. Web site: 2011-02-17 . 마성의 유희열, 이번엔 음악전사다…안테나뮤직 워리어스 . 2023-08-04 . 매일경제 . ko.
  12. Web site: Antenna . 2023-09-05 . antenna.co.kr . ko.
  13. News: Jackson . Julie . 'K-pop Star' contestants Sam Kim, Kwon Jin-ah sign with Antenna . . 14 May 2014.
  14. News: "K-Pop Star 4" Lee Jin-ah and Jung Seung-hwan sign with Antenna Music . 16 July 2021 . Asia Today . 20 April 2015.
  15. News: 이수정, 'K팝스타5' 심사위원 점수 300점 만점으로 우승…안테나 뮤직 간다 . Lee Soo-jung wins 'K Pop Star 5' with a score of 300... goes to Antenna. 16 July 2021 . . 11 April 2016 . ko.
  16. Web site: tenasia.hankyung.com . Digital . 2021-08-03 . [최지예의 찐담화]유희열의 안테나, 100억 유재석·사옥 품고 종합엔터사 날개 ]. 2023-08-04 . 텐아시아 연예뉴스 . ko.
  17. Web site: 2018-06-12 . 'K팝스타3' 기타소년 샘김, 3년 만에 데뷔..싱어송라이터로 성장 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141013/http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/896169 . June 12, 2018 . 2023-08-05 .
  18. Web site: Hwang . Hye-jin . 2016-06-03 . 'K-Pop Star 4' Lee Jin-ah officially debuted after 2 years, released single 'Full' on the 10th .
  19. Web site: 조 . 인우 . '안테나' 권진아, 2년반만에 '웃긴 밤'으로 데뷔 . 2023-08-05 . entertain.naver.com . ko.
  20. Web site: 2017-08-11 . 안테나 11인, '프로듀스101' 패러디…11일 V앱 방송 . 2023-08-04 . YTN star . ko.
  21. Web site: 2016-07-28 . Antenna Music to Hold a Label Concert in September . 2023-08-04 . sg.style.yahoo.com . en-SG.
  22. Web site: Jeong . Yoo-jin . 2016-09-19 . Yoo Hee-yeol "'K-Pop 5' winner Lee Soo-jung decided to start activities after graduating from college" .
  23. Web site: 2016-11-29 . 정승환, 미니앨범 1집 '목소리' 공개...감성 넘치는 발라드 앨범 . 2023-08-07 . . ko.
  24. Web site: 2017-03-16 . '안테나 엔젤스' 첫 콘서트 '우리, 시작' 오늘(16일)부터 4일간 개최 . 2023-08-04 . 서울경제 . ko.
  25. Web site: 서 . 병기 . 2017-09-07 . '하고싶은 음악'을 하니 점점 더 진화하는 '안테나' . 2023-08-04 . 헤럴드경제 . ko.
  26. Web site: tenasia.hankyung.com . Digital . 2019-03-18 . 재즈피아니스트·프로듀서 윤석철, 안테나와 전속계약 체결 . 2023-07-29 . 텐아시아 연예뉴스 . ko.
  27. Web site: 2019-06-12 . 'K팝스타5' 우승자 이수정, 19일 데뷔..CHAI로 활동(공식) . 2023-08-05 . 스타뉴스 . ko.
  28. Web site: 안테나 음악가들 단체송 'Everything Is OK'…수익금 기부 . 2023-08-04 . www.newstomato.com.
  29. Web site: 2020-09-01 . 적재, 안테나와 전속계약 체결…안테나 "적극 서포터 예정"[공식] ]. 2023-08-14 . Sports Chosun. ko.
  30. Web site: 2020-11-30 . 서동환, 안테나와 전속계약…프로듀서 라인 보강 . 2023-07-29 . 스포츠동아 . ko.
  31. Web site: 2021-09-30 . '우당탕탕 안테나' 유희열 "14년 만에 처음 단독 사옥 생겨, 다들 들떠있어" . 2023-08-04 . 스포츠서울 . ko.
  32. News: No . Jung-dong . 카카오엔터, 유희열 회사 '안테나' 지분 19% 인수…"콘텐츠 협업" . Kakao Entertainment acquires a 19% stake in Yoo Hee-yeol's "Antenna" company. 16 July 2021 . . 12 May 2021 . ko.
  33. News: Yim . Seung-hye . Kakao Entertainment acquires shares of Antenna Music . 16 July 2021 . . 12 May 2021.
  34. Web site: 유재석, 유희열이 이끄는 안테나와 전속계약··· 非음악인 영입 처음. Yoo Jae-suk, exclusive contract with Antenna led by Yoo Hee-yeol... First non-musician recruitment. Naver. Seoul Economic Daily. ko. Park Joo-ho. July 14, 2021. July 14, 2021.
  35. News: Jung . Tae-gun . 카카오엔터, 유재석도 품었다…유희열의 안테나 지분 100% 확보 . August 17, 2021 . . August 17, 2021 . ko.
  36. Web site: '더듬이TV: 우당탕탕 안테나', 음악 장인→예능 어벤져스 변신 예고 . 2023-08-04 . stoo . ko.
  37. Web site: 유재석 라인 탄 러블리즈 이미주, 안테나와 전속계약 [공식]]. Yoo Jae-seok, Line Tan Lovelyz's Mi-joo, exclusive contract with Antenna [Official]. Naver. The Korea Economic Daily. ko. Kim Soo-young. November 17, 2021. November 17, 2021.
  38. Web site: 2022-01-07 . [공식] 프로듀서 황현조, 안테나 합류 ]. 2023-07-29 . sports.khan.co.kr . ko.
  39. Web site: 안테나, 독립 예능 스튜디오 오픈…첫 콘텐츠는 유재석의 '핑계고' . 2023-08-04 . stoo . ko.
  40. Web site: 2022-11-21 . 안테나, 이상순과 전속계약 체결 "자유로운 활동 전폭지원"(공식) . 2023-08-14 . 아이뉴스24 . ko.
  41. Web site: 2023-02-16 . Lee Hyo-ri signs exclusive management contract with Antenna . 2023-08-15 . . en.
  42. Web site: Ji-won . Choi . 2023-05-17 . Mijoo breaks out solo with 'Movie Star' . 2024-01-19 . . en.
  43. Web site: 2023-06-11 . 유희열, 안테나 100억에 팔고 32억에 2대 주주 복귀 . 2023-07-29 . No Cut News.
  44. Web site: Jae-hee . Choi . 2023-06-27 . Top comedian Yoo Jae-suk becomes Antenna Music's third-largest stakeholder . 2023-07-29 . . en.
  45. Web site: Antenna . 2023-08-06 . antenna.co.kr . ko.
  46. Web site: 안테나 Antenna on Instagram: "#규현 때로는 감성적인 음악으로 때로는 유쾌한 웃음으로 다양한 분야에서 종횡무진 활동하는 규현이 안테나와 함께 하게 되었습니다. 우리가 만나 다양한 모습으로 채워갈 앞으로의 시간을 기대하며 두근거리는 마음으로 환영의 인사를 전합니다. Welcome Kyuhyun to the Antenna family! With sentimental music and delightful wit, he's excelled as an entertainer in various fields. Together, we'll paint the world with vibrant colors and create unforgettable moments. Join us on this thrilling journey with Kyuhyun! @gyuram88 @kyuhyun_official #KYUHYUN #Welcome" . 2023-08-07 . Instagram . en.
  47. Web site: 2023-08-07 . 슈퍼주니어 규현, SM 떠나 안테나와 전속 계약 . 2023-08-07 . . ko.
  48. Web site: tenasia.hankyung.com . Digital . 2023-10-12 . 이효리 "오래 기다렸다 얘들아, 가볍고 편하게 계속 활동할게"[일문일답] ]. 2024-01-19 . 텐아시아 연예뉴스 . ko.
  49. Web site: 2023-11-01 . 후크 떠난 이서진, 안테나와 전속계약…유재석 한솥밥 . 2023-11-01 . . ko.
  50. Web site: 2024-01-09 . [신곡리뷰]규현, 안테나 이적은 탁월한 선택 ]. 2024-01-16 . . ko.
  51. Web site: 강 . 선애 . 2024-01-16 . 양세찬, 유재석·유희열 품으로…안테나와 전속계약 체결 . 2024-01-16 . SBS연예뉴스 . ko-KR.
  52. Web site: 조선비즈 . 2024-03-07 . 제주항공, 유재석·이효리 소속사 안테나와 마케팅 맞손 . 2024-07-04 . 조선비즈 . ko.
  53. Web site: 아시아타임즈 . 제주항공, 안테나 아티스트 '래핑기' 공개 . 2024-07-04 . 아시아타임즈 . ko.
  54. Web site: 2024-03-08 . 샘김, 안테나 떠난다…10년 만 . 2024-03-20 . 스타투데이 . ko.
  55. Web site: 2024-03-19 . 안테나, 첫 보이밴드 '드래곤포니' 론칭…"용띠·말띠로 구성" . 2024-03-20 . iMBC 연예 . ko.
  56. Web site: 뉴시스 . 2024-04-23 . '안테나 보이밴드' 드래곤포니, SNS 팔로워 2만명 달성 . 2024-07-04 . 뉴시스 . ko.
  57. Web site: 2024-06-08 . [라온신문] '안테나 보이밴드' 드래곤 포니, 데뷔한다...단독 공연 1분만에 매진 ]. 2024-07-04 . www.raonnews.com . ko.
  58. Web site: 뉴시스 . 2024-07-04 . 이상순, 오늘 '완벽한 하루'…아무런 근심 없네 . 2024-07-04 . 뉴시스 . ko.
  59. News: Kim . Hae-jin . 재즈피아니스트·프로듀서 윤석철, 안테나와 전속계약 체결 . Jazz pianist/producer Yun Seok-cheol signs exclusive contract with Antenna . July 18, 2021 . . TenAsia . March 18, 2019 . ko.
  60. News: Park . Ji-eun . '이효리♥' 이상순, 안테나와 전속계약…유재석과 한솥밥 . December 31, 2022 . Sports Chosun . November 21, 2022.
  61. Web site: 이효리, 결국 이상순·유재석과 안테나 품으로. Hong. Hye-min. Lee Hyo-ri, eventually with Lee Sang-soon and Yoo Jae-seok as an antenna. Hankook Ilbo. Naver. February 16, 2023. February 16, 2023. ko.
  62. Web site: Hwang Ji-young . November 30, 2020 . '버클리 휴학생' 서동환, 안테나 전속계약 . Seo Dong Hwan joins Antenna label as producer line . July 14, 2021 . . Daily Sports . ko.
  63. Web site: Kim Young-woong . January 7, 2022 . '프로듀서 황현조, 안테나 합류 . Producer Hwang Hyeon-jo joins Antenna . July 19, 2022 . . . ko.
  64. Web site: 2021-05-01 . CHAI(이수정), 오늘(1일) 안테나와 계약 만료.."새로운 앞날 응원" (전문)[공식]]. 2023-08-09 . . ko.
  65. Web site: Miller . Kevin . 2023-06-05 . Singer Jukjae Departs Antenna - JazmineMedia . 2023-08-14 . en-us.