BUSINESS

Kevin Woo's Big Move: Music, Fans, and a New App

USA, Los AngelesSun Aug 10 2025

A New Wave of Success

Kevin Woo, a familiar name in the K-pop scene, has seen a huge surge in his career. This is all thanks to his role in the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters." His character, Mystery Saja, has brought him over 100,000 new fans. His music has also gained massive traction, with his monthly listeners on Spotify skyrocketing from just over 10,000 to over 28 million.

Taking Charge

Woo is not just sitting back and enjoying the ride. He's taking charge and making the most of this moment. He's using a new app called OpenWav to connect with his fans and sell merchandise. Last week, he sold out tickets for a pop-up event in L.A. He also sold over 3,000 limited-edition items. This event brought in a good amount of money, showing that Woo is on the right track.

The Struggle and the Opportunity

Woo knows that making a living off music alone is tough. Many musicians have side jobs just to make ends meet. But Woo sees an opportunity here. He has a dedicated fan base, and he's ready to take control of his career. OpenWav is helping him do just that.

OpenWav: More Than Just a Music App

OpenWav is more than just a music app. It's a platform where artists can sell tickets, merchandise, and connect with fans. The app takes a 20% cut, but artists keep the rest. This model is appealing to many independent artists who want to maintain control over their careers.

A Broken Industry

The app's founder, Jaeson Ma, believes that the current music industry is broken. He thinks that artists should focus on building a strong fan base rather than chasing streams. Ma's vision is to create a one-stop shop for fans to engage with their favorite artists.

Woo's Approach

Woo agrees with this approach. He sees the value in having a direct connection with his fans. He also appreciates the urgency that OpenWav brings to the table. With this app, he can act quickly and capitalize on his current momentum.

Empowering Artists

Ma hopes that OpenWav will empower artists to take control of their careers. He believes that artists should own their music, their data, and their connection with fans. This philosophy resonates with Woo, who is determined to stay independent and in control of his career.

questions

    Will OpenWav's drop-shipping model mean that artists will start designing merch while still in their pajamas?
    If OpenWav's app becomes as essential as WeChat, will artists need to send 'I'm on my way' messages before their concerts?
    How does OpenWav's business model address the potential for market saturation if many artists adopt the same strategy?

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