# CJ ENM and JYP Tap Tencent for China… | Dynamoi News

Canonical URL: https://dynamoi.com/news/2026-02-03-cj-enm-and-jyp-tap-tencent-for-china-reentry-with-new-jv.html

Source: Dynamoi static public site

Description: The trilateral "ONECEAD" alliance debuts boy group MODYSSEY to bypass import bans and localize K-pop IP for the Chinese market.

Dynamoi News CJ ENM and JYP Tap Tencent for China Reentry With New JV The trilateral "ONECEAD" alliance debuts boy group MODYSSEY to bypass import bans and localize K-pop IP for the Chinese market. Published February 3, 2026 Editor Trevor Loucks Editorial policy → The "China freeze" on K-pop is officially thawing, but the price of admission has changed. South Korean titans CJ ENM and JYP Entertainment have executed a strategic reentry into the Chinese market through a landmark joint venture with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME). Announced today, the new entity— ONECEAD —represents a sophisticated "Globalization by Localization" strategy. Rather than trying to export Korean products into a restrictive regulatory environment, these companies are franchising their manufacturing process to a local giant. The localization loophole The formation of ONECEAD attempts to solve the geopolitical friction that has hampered Korean cultural imports since the 2016 THAAD dispute. The strategy: By partnering with TME—China’s dominant streaming and social entertainment provider—CJ ENM and JYP are creating a domestic Chinese entity. This bypasses the import quotas and "Hallyu bans" that plague foreign acts. The venture combines CJ ENM’s content production prowess, JYP’s artist development system, and Tencent’s massive infrastructure. Key insight: This is the industrialization of the K-pop methodology exported to China. It transforms the business model from selling finished goods (albums) to licensing the assembly line (training and management). Splitting the value chain This deal mimics the "LAPONE" model CJ ENM successfully deployed in Japan with Yoshimoto Kogyo. Here is how the responsibilities break down in the new tripartite alliance: Partner Primary Asset Strategic Role CJ ENM Production IP Brings the Planet C survival show format and high-end content production standards. JYP China A&R System Deploys the legendary trainee system to manage artist development and daily operations. Tencent (TME) Distribution Provides exclusive access to QQ Music , WeSing , and regulatory navigation. Betting on MODYSSEY The immediate commercial vehicle for ONECEAD is MODYSSEY , a seven-member boy group finalized via the Mnet Plus survival program Planet C: Home Race . Unlike previous attempts where Korean agencies managed Chinese groups remotely, MODYSSEY will be managed directly by ONECEAD within China. This "local hub" model covers everything from merchandise to live commerce, utilizing TME’s vertical integration. The product: The group is comprised of Chinese-speaking members, including alumni from Boys Planet spin-offs. The music, however, retains high-fidelity K-pop DNA, with debut tracks reportedly produced by 3RACHA (of Stray Kids fame). Why TME wants in For Tencent Music Entertainment, this is a play to move upstream. By owning the management entity via the JV, TME reduces its reliance on expensive licensing deals with the major labels (UMG, Sony, Warner). The leverage: TME can now prioritize ONECEAD artists on its platforms, creating a closed-loop ecosystem of discovery and monetization that competitors cannot easily replicate. It secures exclusive, high-quality "idol IP" directly at the source, driving subscriber retention on Kugou and Kuwo . The new export playbook For industry strategists, ONECEAD signals that market entry in restrictive territories now requires deep equity partnerships rather than simple licensing agreements. Works when: The local partner (TME) has insurmountable distribution dominance and political capital. Fails when: The creative quality dilutes due to lack of direct oversight—a risk CJ ENM creates a hedge against by maintaining production control. If MODYSSEY succeeds, expect to see a wave of similar JVs targeting Southeast Asia and Latin America, where local repertoire is growing faster than Anglo-American exports. Related stories Create Music Group Backs Nettwerk Buyout With $300M Injection February 6, 2026 DistroKid Targets $2B Sale in Major DIY Market Shift February 3, 2026 UMG Pivots to Broadcaster Model With Universal Music Live on Twitch January 27, 2026 Warner Music Settles $24M Copyright Suit With Crumbl May 30, 2026 Latest News May 30, 2026 Warner Music Settles $24M Copyright Suit With Crumbl May 29, 2026 UMG Board Unanimously Rejects Bill Ackman’s $64B Takeover Bid May 29, 2026 Spotify Rolls Out $10.99 Basic Tier Amid $150M Royalties Dispute May 28, 2026 Sony Weaponizes 2024 AI Opt-Out in 61,000-Track Suno Lawsuit May 27, 2026 33 States Demand Ticketmaster Divestiture After Antitrust Verdict May 26, 2026 Spotify Shares Surge 16% on UMG Deal for Paid AI Remix Tools See pricing →