Konnect Entertainment (Korean: 커넥트 엔터테인먼트; stylized as KONNECT Entertainment) is an independent South Korean entertainment company founded on June 5, 2019 by Kang Daniel.[4] The company is based in the Gangnam District of Seoul in South Korea. As of August 2023, Konnect fully manages solo artists Kang Daniel, Chancellor, and Yuju. It is also home to dance crew We Dem Boyz (WDBZ).
History
Konnect Entertainment was founded on June 5, 2019 as a one-man agency for and by Kang Daniel.[5] The name "Konnect" is a fusion of the words "Korea" and "connect", which reveals his goal to connect Korea to the rest of the world through his future activities.[6]
Immediately after the disbandment of temporary boy group Wanna One, it was revealed that Kang was in a legal dispute with his former agency due to the transfer of his exclusive contract rights to third parties without his prior consent.[7] This dispute resulted in his six-month hiatus from the entertainment industry until the Seoul Central District Court ruled in his favor, allowing the suspension of his contract.[8] This ruling meant that he could pursue individual entertainment activities without any interference from his former agency.[9] After receiving help from multiple experts as well as his lawyers, Kang established both KD Corporation Ltd. and Konnect Entertainment.[10] A representative from the agency revealed that:
"Kang decided to go in the direction of establishing a one-man agency after considering every possible angle in terms of what agency structure would best suit his long-term activities. His decision was also heavily influenced by the fact that he wanted to return to his fans, who had waited for a long time, as quickly as possible."[11]
During the comeback show for his second EP that aired on Mnet and M2 channels, Kang revealed that his dance team at Konnect Entertainment partially consists of friends that he has known since before his debut.[12] As for KD Corporation Ltd., plans to branch out into various business directions in the future were announced.[13] In February 2020, a cafe on the first floor of Konnect Entertainment's building in the Gangnam District of Seoul called Cafe de Konnect officially opened for business.[14][15] It held a fan-only event on February 19 and 20 before opening to the public on the following day.[16] The fan event allowed 100 fans to claim a free drink after showing their membership card from Kang's official fancafe on a first-come, first-served basis.[17] In the same month, Kakao Friends released a limited-edition beverage and dessert menu as part of its collaboration line with Kang for three cafes including Cafe de Konnect.[18][19]
In February 2021, Konnect Entertainment announced that it would launch a mobile application for Kang's official fancafe which had previously been located on the company's official website.[20] The app was released for free for iOS on the Apple App Store and for Android on the Google Play Store on March 30, 2021.[21][22] This marked the first time an artist in Korea had ever released their own app.[23] Developed by Konnect and titled "Kang Daniel", the social networking service has an automatic translation function with 10 translatable languages including: Korean, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai.[24] In August 2021, it was announced that singer-songwriter and producer Chancellor had signed an exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment.[25] The agency confirmed this and said "we will spare no effort to support him so that he can showcase his full potential as a producer and artist".[26] Following her departure from Source Music and the disbandment of South Korean girl group GFriend, former member Yuju signed an exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment in September 2021.[27][28]
In June 2022, Cafe de Konnect launched a beverage and dessert menu to commemorate the collaboration line between Kang and SpongeBob SquarePants.[29][30] In the same year, the agency won the APAN K-pop Label Award for "leading the Korean wave" as it promotes the development of K-pop and is active in various fields. Kang, Chancellor, and Yuju each held a special performance at the 2022 APAN Star Awards to commemorate this award as artists of the agency.[31] Following their placement as runner-up on Mnet's Street Man Fighter and their long-standing relationship with the agency as Kang's dance team, dance crew We Dem Boyz (WDBZ) officially signed an exclusive contract with Konnect Entertainment in November 2022.[32] In the same month, they were featured on Kang's lead single "Nirvana" from his repackaged album The Story: Retold.[33]
Partnerships
In July 2019, Sony Music Korea confirmed that it would take charge as both the investor and distributor of Kang's solo debut extended play (EP), Color on Me.[34] Since then, the company has continued distributing Kang's subsequent works including his three-part color series: Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. In June 2022, he started Japanese activities in partnership with Warner Music Japan.[35]
In April 2021, South Korean game development company Dalcomsoft revealed its next rhythm game app featuring music from Kang Daniel.[36] Developed by Dalcomsoft Inc. and in collaboration with Konnect Entertainment, the app was released on April 29, 2021 for iOS on the Apple App Store and for Android on the Google Play Store.[37][38]Superstar Kang Daniel is the first version of the app series exclusively made for a solo artist.[39][40] Two months later, it was announced that CL had signed a domestic management contract with Konnect Entertainment.[41][42] The agency confirmed that it would be responsible for CL's domestic activities and said "we will actively support CL so that she can carry out her music activities as a top-tier musician".[43] The partnership agreement between Konnect Entertainment and CL's own label Very Cherry was effective for two years.[44][45]
In September 2022, South Korean production company Snowballs revealed its next puzzle game app featuring Kang Daniel as the main character.[46] Developed by Snowballs Inc. and in collaboration with Konnect Entertainment, Starway Kang Daniel was released on September 29, 2022 for iOS on the Apple App Store and for Android on the Google Play Store.[47]
Philanthropy
In December 2019, it was revealed that Konnect Entertainment donated 31,000 briquettes to 31 briquette banks nationwide to thank fans for helping those in need on Kang's birthday.[48] In December 2020, Kang and all of his agency staff participated in the Holt Children's Services (HCS) campaign "Please Protect Me" by handcrafting and delivering 100 book covers to the humanitarian organization.[49] Proceeds from the book cover kits bought by Konnect would be used to provide mental and medical care, housing, living, and educational support to children in need.[50]
^Note that this does not include Kang's A&R team or his backup dancers.[3]
References
^"전문가 33인에게 물었다...올해 최고 가수는 [2022 총결산-가요]" [We asked 33 experts... The best singer of the year is... [2022 Total Summary - Song]]. News1 (in Korean). December 17, 2022. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2023 – via Naver.
^"전문가들이 꼽은 2022년 가장 기대되는 가수 톱3는 [신년특집]" [Top 3 most anticipated singers in 2022 according to experts [New Year Special]]. News1 (in Korean). January 3, 2022. Archived from the original on January 2, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2023 – via Naver.
^"'전참시' 강다니엘, 역시 '갓다니엘' 클래스가 다른 소속사 복지 [종합]" ['Omniscient Interfering View' Kang Daniel, the welfare of an agency with a different 'God Daniel' class [Comprehensive]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). February 14, 2021. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2021 – via Naver.
^"'강다니엘 기획사' 공채에 이틀만에 1,300명 이상 몰려" [More than 1,300 people flocked to 'Kang Daniel's agency' in two days]. Seoul Economic Daily (in Korean). June 13, 2019. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, 1인 기획사 설립 "솔로데뷔 음악 작업 중"(공식입장)" [Kang Daniel, established a one-man agency "working on solo debut music" (Official Position)]. MBN News (in Korean). June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on September 1, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘 측 "LM 상대로 전속계약 효력정지 가처분 신청, 팬들에 죄송" [전문]" [Kang Daniel's side said "Applied for temporary injunction against LM for suspension of exclusive contract, sorry to the fans" [Full text]]. The Korea Times (in Korean). March 21, 2019. Archived from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^""강다니엘, 독자적인 연예활동 가능"" [Kang Daniel, independent entertainment activities possible]. YTN News (in Korean). May 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, LM 전속계약 효력정지...독자활동 가능해져" [Kang Daniel, LM exclusive contract suspended... independent activities become possible]. Sports Seoul (in Korean). May 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"'1인 기획사 설립' 강다니엘 측 "(주)케이디 대표 맞다…회사 성장 위해" [공식입장]" ['Establishment of a one-man agency' Kang Daniel's side "CEO of KD Co., Ltd. is right... for company growth" [Official Position]]. My Daily (in Korean). June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, 1인기획사 커넥트엔터 설립…솔로 데뷔 준비 돌입 [공식]" [Kang Daniel establishes Konnect Entertainment, a one-man agency... preparing for solo debut [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^강다니엘이 직접 알아보는 MBTI는? (ENG SUB) – KANGDANIEL COMEBACK SHOW CYAN [What is the MBTI that Kang Daniel personally recognizes (ENG SUB) – KANGDANIEL COMEBACK SHOW CYAN]. Mnet (Video) (in Korean). YouTube: M2. March 24, 2020. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
^"[단독] 강다니엘, (주)케이디 대표 됐다…엔터 외 다양한 사업 진출" [[Exclusive] Kang Daniel, CEO of KD Co., Ltd.... entering various businesses outside of enterprise]. YTN News (in Korean). June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2021 – via Naver.
^""어피치도 강다니엘도 흥했다" 카카오프렌즈, 어피치 강다니엘 에디션 2차 라인업 출시" ["Apeach and Kang Daniel have also been successful" Kakao Friends launches the 2nd lineup of Apeach Kang Daniel Edition]. Daily Financial Economy News (in Korean). February 19, 2020. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
^Official Cafe De Konnect (February 17, 2020). "Cafe De KONNECT [NOTICE]". Instagram (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
^Official Cafe De Konnect (February 18, 2020). "Cafe De KONNECT 오픈 기념 이벤트‼️" [Cafe De KONNECT Open Commemorative Event‼️]. Instagram (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
^Official Cafe De Konnect (February 18, 2020). "Cafe de KONNECT 오픈 기념 이벤트‼️" [Cafe De KONNECT Open Commemorative Event‼️]. Instagram (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
^"카카오프렌즈X강다니엘 두 번째 만남…어피치 에디션 2차 출시" [Kakao Friends X Kang Daniel's second meeting... Apeach Edition 2nd release]. News1 (in Korean). February 19, 2020. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^Official Kakao Friends (February 18, 2020). "어피치 강다니엘 에디션 2차 라인업 출시와 함께: 부산 어피치 카페, 일본 어피치 오모테산도,카페 드 커넥트에서" [With the release of the 2nd lineup of Apeach Kang Daniel Edition: Busan Apeach Cafe, Japan Apeach Omotesando, and Cafe de Konnect]. Instagram (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
^"강다니엘(KANGDANIEL) 공식 팬 카페 모바일 애플리케이션 출시 예정 안내" [강다니엘(KANGDANIEL) Official Fancafe Mobile Application Launch Guide]. Konnect Entertainment (in Korean). February 26, 2021. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
^"강다니엘(KANGDANIEL) 공식 팬 카페 모바일 애플리케이션 출시 안내" [강다니엘(KANGDANIEL) Official Fancafe Mobile Application Launch Guide]. Konnect Entertainment (in Korean). March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
^"[TEN 이슈] 강다니엘X다니티 '독자앱' 구축으로 특별한 소통" [[TEN Issue] Kang Daniel X Danity 'Reader App' for special communication]. Ten Asia (in Korean). April 8, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021 – via Naver.
^"'강다니엘 소속사' 커넥트, 싱어송라이터 챈슬러와 전속계약 체결" ['Kang Daniel's agency' Konnect signs exclusive contract with singer-songwriter Chancellor]. Xports News (in Korean). August 4, 2021. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021 – via Naver.
^"챈슬러, 강다니엘 품으로..커넥트 전속계약[공식]" [Chancellor, in Kang Daniel's arms.. Konnect exclusive contract [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). August 4, 2021. Archived from the original on August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021 – via Naver.
^"여자친구 유주, 강다니엘 소속사 커넥트와 전속계약[공식]" [GFriend's Yuju signs an exclusive contract with Kang Daniel's agency Konnect [Official]]. Sports Seoul (in Korean). September 1, 2021. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021 – via Naver.
^Official Cafe De Konnect (June 22, 2022). "[PINEHOUSE🍍]". Instagram (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
^"스폰지밥, 강다니엘과 손잡았다‥K팝 아티스트와 최초 IP 협업" [SpongeBob and Kang Daniel have teamed up.. the first IP collaboration with a K-pop artist]. Newsen (in Korean). June 23, 2022. Archived from the original on June 23, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘-챈슬러-유주 '2022 APAN' 출격…스페셜 무대 예고" [Kang Daniel - Chancellor - Yuju '2022 APAN' is on the way... special stage notice]. Newsen (in Korean). September 5, 2022. Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^"'스맨파' 위댐보이즈, 강다니엘 소속사와 전속계약 "오랜 인연" [공식]" ["SMF" WDBZ, exclusive contract with Kang Daniel's agency "long relationship" [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). November 18, 2022. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2022 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, 신곡 '너바나' 티저 공개…위댐보이즈 "벅차고 감동"" [Kang Daniel, new song 'Nirvana' teaser release… We Dem Boyz "exciting and thrilling"]. News1 Korea (in Korean). November 23, 2022. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘 솔로 데뷔 앨범, 소니뮤직코리아 유통…배경은?" [Kang Daniel's solo debut album, Sony Music Korea distribution... what is the background?]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). July 18, 2019. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, 워너뮤직재팬과 손잡고 일본 진출…팬클럽 오픈[공식]" [Kang Daniel joins forces with Warner Music Japan to advance to Japan... Fan Club Open [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). June 1, 2022. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^"'SuperStar KANGDANIEL', 강다니엘 솔로 데뷔 2주년 기념 이벤트 진행 [공식]" ['SuperStar KANGDANIEL' will hold an event to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Kang Daniel's solo debut [Official]]. Xports News (in Korean). July 23, 2021. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘과 급성장 커넥트, CL과 파트너십 체결 "글로벌 비즈니스 영향력 강화"" [Fast-growing Konnect with Kang Daniel, partnership with CL "Strengthening global business influence"]. Star News (in Korean). July 10, 2021. Archived from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘 소속사 커넥트, 투애니원 씨엘 국내 매니지먼트 맡다 [공식]" [Kang Daniel's agency Konnect takes charge of domestic management of 2NE1 CL [Official]]. Xports News (in Korean). July 10, 2021. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021 – via Naver.
^"'강다니엘 소속사' 커넥트, CL과 파트너십 체결 [공식]" ['Kang Daniel's agency' Konnect, partnership with CL [Official]]. Sports Dong-A (in Korean). July 10, 2021. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021 – via Naver.
^"씨엘, 강다니엘 소속사와 이별 "파트너십 종료" [공식]" [CL parting ways with Kang Daniel's agency "End of partnership" [Official]]. Sports Dong-A (in Korean). August 29, 2023. Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023 – via Naver.
^"게임으로 즐기는 강다니엘, 본격 서비스 시작…카드 수집 가능" [Kang Daniel, who enjoys games, begins full-fledged service... card collectibles]. Star News (in Korean). September 21, 2022. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^"STARWAY KANGDANIEL". Apple App Store. September 13, 2022. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
^"강다니엘, 소속사와 기부 활동 동참 "팬들 보여준 선한 영향력 덕분"" [Kang Daniel participates in donation activities with his agency "Thanks to the good influence of the fans"]. Herald Pop (in Korean). December 24, 2019. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘, 따뜻한 선행으로 훈훈하게 물들였다 [공식]" [Kang Daniel, warmly colored with good deeds [Official]]. Ten Asia (in Korean). December 30, 2020. Archived from the original on December 30, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘 선행, 위기가정아동 위해 언택트 봉사" [Kang Daniel's good deeds, virtual volunteer service for families in crisis]. Sports Dong-A (in Korean). December 30, 2020. Archived from the original on December 29, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2020 – via Naver.
^"강다니엘 1인 기획사, K팝 최고 레이블 3년 만에 초고속 성장" [Kang Daniel's one-man agency, K-pop's top label, has grown rapidly in 3 years]. Financial News (in Korean). September 30, 2022. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved September 30, 2022 – via Naver.
