Stray Kids And ITZY Join Republic Records… Why Some Fans Are Skeptical
JYP Entertainment announced that it had expanded its partnership with U.S. label Republic Records to include Stray Kids and ITZY. This union was preceded by an initial partnership made in 2020 that intended to grow JYPE labelmate TWICE’s success in the United States.
Republic Records is said to have helped TWICE land two top ten albums on the Billboard 200 and their first Hot 100 and Pop Airplay hit with the English-language single, “The Feels.”
JYP Entertainment CEO Jimmy Jeong acknowledged this success and said in a statement that the company is excited to continue the partnership.
We are beyond delighted to move forward with Republic Records … in developing the major artist roster of the two companies’ hereafter, starting with the successful kickoff TWICE has brought. We have absolute confidence that, together, we will lead the rapidly changing music industry from both in and out, alongside our prominent artists’ creations.
— Jimmy Jeong
Many fans of ITZY and Stray Kids are excited for this new opportunity and what it could mean for each group, respectively.
#ITZY finally has a US label! Let's continue to support the girls as they continue their promotion with Republic Records🙌 pic.twitter.com/AM7dzDXC5A
— ً (@itzymoments) February 10, 2022
SKZ HAVE OFFICIALLY JOINED REPUBLIC RECORDS YALL THIS IS HUGE
— ams ❀ (@hwnghyunn1e) February 10, 2022
Some TWICE fans, however, have strong feelings about JYP Entertainment’s decision to make this partnership. These fans disagree that Republic Records have helped TWICE since they have been under the label. They argue that the group hasn’t received any promotion from the company.
everything twice achieved in the us and their success is not because of republic records they didn’t do shit for my girls they achieved all that with zero promotion from that shitty label
— san⁷ HOBIUARY (@twicetaner) February 10, 2022
Other fans believe that Republic Records allowed TWICE to gain exposure in the West.
Stray Kids fans were pleased with Republic Records after the label took to Twitter and Instagram to promote the boy group’s upcoming comeback, “ODDINARY.”
👀 do you want to be oddinary?@Stray_Kids https://t.co/UALPq83IMc https://t.co/AlecdmcgRl
— Republic Records (@RepublicRecords) February 13, 2022
other fandoms telling us to not be too happy bc republic records is not that good at promoting vs stays throwing a party just bc they posted an ig story of the trailer😭
— veil (@alienprodhan) February 13, 2022
Meanwhile, ITZY fans seem to enjoy the prospect of the partnership as long as the girls are treated well by the company.
You better treat ITZY well pic.twitter.com/pt08uzhjeb
— ً (@midzyee) February 10, 2022
With such an impressive roster of artists under Republic Records, it’ll be interesting to watch how ITZY and Stray Kids are promoted under the new alliance.
