On February 20, 2025, Dispatch reported that BLACKPINK’s Rosé has officially withdrawn from the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).
According to sources, Rosé applied for the termination of her trust with KOMCA on October 31, 2024. After a mandatory grace period of approximately three months, the termination was finalized on January 31, 2025.
This marks a historic moment in the Korean music industry, as Rosé becomes the first Korean singer to leave KOMCA since Seo Taiji in 2002.
Seo Taiji was the first Korean artist to not renew his trust contract with the association, and Rosé’s decision follows a similar path.
Moving forward, all of Rosé‘s copyrights will be managed by an American publisher. Her current label, Atlantic Records, will oversee the distribution of her profits.
Atlantic Records collaborates with leading copyright management organizations in the United States, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, Publishers, and Artists) and BMI (Broadcast Music Industry Association), ensuring her copyrights are managed internationally.
This approach is commonly chosen by international artists, as it allows for more streamlined copyright management. Given Rosé’s strong presence in the U.S. music market, experts believe this transition will provide her with more efficient control over her music rights.
A music industry insider explained, “In Rosé’s case, it is unnecessary to manage copyrights separately in the U.S. and Korea because there would be double fees.”
Rosé has been experiencing tremendous success as a solo artist in the United States. Her collaboration with pop superstar Bruno Mars, “APT,” has become a global phenomenon.
Additionally, her debut full-length album, Rosie, released in December 2024, has received critical acclaim. She was credited as a lyricist for all the songs on the album and participated as a composer for the tracks “APT” and “Number One Girl.”
Rosé’s withdrawal from KOMCA signifies a shift in how Kpop artists manage their intellectual property and international careers. As she continues to make waves in the global music industry, her decision to align with U.S. copyright management firms may set a precedent for future Korean artists looking to expand their presence worldwide.
