Platform is designed to encourage deeper interaction among fans, extending beyond traditional artist-to-fan communication

Kakao Entertainment’s newly launched K-culture fan platform “Berriz” displays open and upcoming fan communities for two artists and a TV drama. (Kakao Entertainment)
Kakao Entertainment’s newly launched K-culture fan platform “Berriz” displays open and upcoming fan communities for two artists and a TV drama. (Kakao Entertainment)

Kakao Entertainment officially launched its new global K-culture fan platform, Berriz, Tuesday, signaling its entry into the growing online fandom service market.

Berriz aims to serve as an all-in-one platform for fans of Korean cultural content, encompassing a wide range of intellectual properties — from personalities such as singers and creators to original content including webtoons, dramas, films and musicals.

“Just like berries that come in various shapes and sizes but become sweeter when gathered, Berriz will be a playground where global fans of K-culture can come together to connect and enjoy,” the company said in a statement.

Several creators and artists are already on the platform.

Following singer Jung Seung-hwan of Antenna, Starship Entertainment’s new girl group KiiiKiii launched its official fan community on Berriz upon its debut Monday with its first EP “Uncut Gem.” The rookie girl group plans to engage with fans through interactive features such as live streaming, VOD content, and open discussion forums.

Next month, “Crushology 101,” an upcoming TV drama based on a Kakao Webtoon of the same name, will also launch its official fan community on the platform.

Kakao Entertainment plans to use Berriz to consolidate the fandoms of its affiliated music label artists and content IPs. The company also aims to partner with others in the entertainment industry to position Berriz as a central hub for all K-culture fandoms, including music, webtoons and television.

According to Kakao Entertainment, Berriz is built as a modular, fan-centric system that can be customized to fit each IP’s unique characteristics and the needs of its fanbase. The platform will incorporate AI, e-commerce and live streaming to provide a broad range of tailored services for each community.

Acknowledging the evolution of fandom culture — which increasingly includes fan-created content and peer-to-peer engagement — Berriz is designed to encourage deeper interaction among fans, extending beyond traditional artist-to-fan communication.

By leveraging Kakao Entertainment’s experience across its multiple platforms — including Kakao Page, Melon, and 1theK — the company aims to help shape the next generation of fandom culture.


jaaykim@heraldcorp.com