SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment’s first UK-based boy group, Dear Alice, has signed with US media and record company Gamma, marking a key milestone in the group’s debut preparations.
On Wednesday, SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment’s North American joint venture announced a strategic partnership with Gamma to support Dear Alice’s debut and global promotion. As part of this collaboration, Dear Alice is set to release its highly anticipated debut single later this year.
The partnership was finalised during a signing ceremony in Los Angeles, attended by SM’s Chief Global Officer Choi Jung-min, Kakao Entertainment Co-CEO Jang Yoon-jung, and Kevin Nishimura, COO of the SM-Kakao North American joint venture. Gamma CEO Larry Jackson and UK and Europe President Ben Cook were also present, along with members of Dear Alice.
The collaboration covers album production, distribution, marketing, and brand partnerships, targeting markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. SM, Kakao, and Gamma have committed to supporting Dear Alice’s growth through diverse initiatives following their debut.
Even before their official debut, Dear Alice has captured significant attention. Their journey was documented in a six-episode TV series, Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience, which aired on BBC 1 in the UK. The series’ soundtrack album, featuring six tracks performed by the group, debuted at No. 1 on the UK Official Soundtrack Albums Chart in its first week of release.
Founded in 2023 by Larry Jackson, a former director at Apple Music, and Ike Youssef, former CFO of Interscope Records, Gamma has established itself as a major player in the entertainment industry. It has collaborated with global celebrities, including Usher, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross, as well as hip-hop label Death Row Records.
This partnership signals a strong start for Dear Alice, with global support poised to propel the group into the international spotlight. Fans can look forward to their debut single and further developments as SM, Kakao, and Gamma bring their combined expertise to Dear Alice’s journey.
