Why Does BigHit Focus More on SEVENTEEN Over NU’EST?
Since its acquisition of Pledis Entertainment in 2020, BigHit Entertainment, now known as HYBE Corporation, has brought together two popular boy groups under its umbrella: SEVENTEEN and NU’EST. However, the investment and focus from BigHit appears to be significantly skewed towards SEVENTEEN. This article delves into multiple factors contributing to this dynamic, exploring both the commercial, strategic, and demographic advantages that SEVENTEEN enjoys over NU’EST.
Commercial Success
SEVENTEEN has achieved unparalleled commercial success. Their consistent chart-topping achievements and sell-out concert records make them a lucrative asset for BigHit. Internationally, their popularity is unmatched, fostering a dedicated fan base known as CARAT. BigHit’s strategic allocation of resources may naturally favor such high-performing groups, ensuring they have the best tools and support to continue their success.
Group Dynamics and Activity
SEVENTEEN is celebrated for their active involvement in music production, including songwriting and choreography. This collaborative approach has solidified their unique identity and created a strong bond with their fans. Their self-producing capabilities are highly respected, contributing to their enduring appeal and marketability in the highly competitive music industry.
Strategic Focus
Long-term strategic vision plays a significant role in BigHit’s decisions. SEVENTEEN fits the profile of a group that aligns with BigHit’s growth plans and innovation goals. The group’s consistent output and strong metrics indicate that they are a focal point for the company’s future aspirations. On the other hand, NU’EST, while talented and having a dedicated fanbase, has faced challenges such as fluctuations in popularity and lineup changes over the years. These factors can influence how much attention and resources are directed toward a group by their management company.
Timing and Releases
The timing of comebacks and promotions can significantly impact a group's visibility and success. SEVENTEEN has a more consistent release schedule, ensuring they remain constantly in the public eye. NU’EST, being an older group, has adapted a more traditional approach to music release, often sticking to the same music genre. This more conservative approach may have made them less exciting to audiences seeking varied musical experiences. However, BigHit’s focus more on SEVENTEEN does not entirely negate the importance or support for NU’EST, as evidenced by their latest album release and current member's participation in a musical.
Fan Engagement
SEVENTEEN’s highly engaged fan base, CARAT, plays a crucial role in their success. Strong fan engagement often leads to more promotional efforts and better support for a group. Conversely, the dynamics of the NU’EST fandom may require more strategic focus to maintain and grow, which might explain the difference in investment.
Conclusion
BigHit does not intend to ignore NU’EST; rather, the market dynamics and the groups’ respective trajectories likely influence the level of focus each group receives. While both groups are part of BigHit, Pledis Entertainment operates largely independently, focusing on both SEVENTEEN and NU’EST. The significant financial success of SEVENTEEN contributes to their increased spotlight, but NU’EST still benefits from the resources and support provided by BigHit. Whether one group will eventually overshadow the other remains to be seen, but both continue to share a common house under BigHit’s management.