ATop Universe Secures 300 Million Yen Strategic Investment from Japan's YOANI GROUP

Global entertainment IP company ATop Universe has attracted a strategic investment of approximately 300 million yen from Japan's YOANI GROUP. The two companies signed the agreement on the 25th of last month, and the investment is scheduled to be finalized on the 10th following the relevant procedures.

Through this cooperation, ATop Universe will combine its K-pop production and character planning capabilities with YOANI GROUP's local Japanese network and business operation know-how. The two companies plan to pursue multifaceted collaborations, including the expansion of their affiliated artists into Japan, the development of professional training programs encompassing both K-pop and J-pop, and the joint planning of new IPs. This is expected to serve as a bridge connecting the talent and content ecosystems of both countries, going beyond a simple capital alliance.

ATop Universe will focus the investment funds on content production and Japanese localization business for its 2.5D idol IP, 'COSMIC CODE'. Starting with the release of the digital single 'POKER FACE' on the 9th, COSMIC CODE will sequentially release individual member singles over five weeks and is scheduled to hold concerts in Tokyo and Osaka in November.

Masashi Kurata, CEO of YOANI GROUP, stated, "With this investment as an opportunity, we will establish a new business model where talent and content from both Korea and Japan grow together." Jin-young Jang, Co-CEO of ATop Universe, said, "We will pioneer a new entertainment market through next-generation IPs that connect real-life performance with 2D character narratives."