Several SM Entertainment artists have just joined the HYBE fan platform Weverse, including NCT 127, EXO, and aespa.
What is Weverse?
Weverse is a South Korean online platform made for fans. They can interact with their favorite Kpop idols and celebrities via the Weverse mobile app or website. Celebrities post message updates, pictures, videos, and go live. It’s just another way Korean entertainment companies surpass Western companies in terms of fan-artist interaction. Big names that currently use Weverse to interact with fans include BTS, ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and NewJeans.
There are several different platforms similar to Weverse, such as V Live and Bubble. Bubble is actually provided by DearU, an SM Entertainment software development company. Since 2020, several SM artists have used Bubble to communicate and interact with their fans.
Additionally, Weverse has its own online store: Weverse Shop. Artists release exclusive items and merchandise on Weverse Shop. They also streamline joining an artist’s or group’s official fanclub, which offers many different special perks.
The Big-Name SM Artists, New and Old
The list of SM artists who have joined Weverse is quite notable. Kpop legends BoA, Kangta, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, TVXQ, and SHINee are hopping onto the media platform. Well-known idol groups EXO, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV are also going to use Weverse to interact with their fans. Finally, Kpop groups that are somewhat newer to the scene —aespa and RIIZE—will use the platform to continue the early stages of cultivating their fanbase.
This decision to join another entertainment company’s fan platform comes from the recent acquisition drama. According to E. Cha at Soompi, earlier this year, HYBE withdrew from the acquisition of SM. HYBE then agreed to collaborate with SM on platform-related matters.
SM will also be joining the Weverse Shop. However, the entertainment company won’t be pulling their artists from the already existing fan platforms they use, such as Bubble. SM will also continue to use SMTOWN&STORE, as well as other official online stores, in addition to Weverse Shop.
It seems that fans of SM artists will have a multitude of ways to interact with and feel more connected to their favorite idols.
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