From the article that mentions Kakao acquiring a stake in SM
the aim is mentioned and it's not music-related per se.
"It's unknown whether it'll be an exchange of shares between affiliates such as Kakao Ent. & SM Ent. or between Kakao Ent. & SM Ent.'s non-music subsidiary, SM Studios."
"SM Ent's management method will remain unchanged even after Kakao's acquisition of shares. "Kakao has been operated by incorporating entertainment agencies as labels by securing stakes but leaving operations to existing management."
" "Even if the stake is sold, it is highly likely that Lee Sooman, the representative producer, will be involved in producing new songs by SM Ent. singers."
So what changed?
"It appears that Kakao is about to acquire a stake in SM Ent. The aim is to strengthen music IP (Intellectual Property) following webtoons, web novels & videos."
I think it's not music-related except the Aespa metaverse which is insane! They are going all the way with the concept as I hoped. Aespa is a start of a new phenomenon. They were like we started K-pop and now we start CAWMAN
They also mentioned this:
"If Kakao & SM Ent. unite as blood allies, NCT, which is listed on the Billboard 200 main album chart in U.S. & rookie Aespa with metaverse worldview can be combined into a new type of content with the Kakao platform."
It says at the end of the Aespa SMCU episode that it is powered by CAWMAN which is a word SM trademarked
ppl theorize it's
C > Cartoon
A > Animation
W > Webtoon
M > Motion Graphic
A > Avatar
N > Novel
