LINE MUSIC Joins K-POP Global Chart with Melon

Tokyo, Japan - LINE MUSIC Co. said on Tuesday it will participate as a joint partner in a chart initiative for K-POP music operated by South Korea's Kakao Entertainment Corp.

The chart, tentatively named "K-POP Artist Chart," will be operated by Melon, a music streaming service in South Korea run by Kakao Entertainment, according to a statement from LINE MUSIC.

The chart will integrate metrics from music platforms in Japan, China, and South Korea, the statement said. Melon has operated for more than 20 years.

LINE MUSIC operates a music streaming service integrated with LINE, a communication app with 99 million users in Japan, according to the company.

Japanese listener playback data will be included in the chart's compilation, LINE MUSIC said. The chart will reflect K-POP activity across Asian markets, according to the statement.

The chart is scheduled to begin operations on the Melon platform in 2026, with the calculation methodology to be disclosed later, LINE MUSIC said. 

The company will provide features in its application when the chart launches, according to the statement.

Kakao Entertainment is led by co-representatives Kwon Gi-soo and Chang Yun-jung, according to the statement.

LINE MUSIC said the participation is part of a strategy focused on fan engagement and that it will pursue similar efforts for Japanese artists, including J-POP performers.