BTS to leave Columbia Records, join Universal Music Group for US distribution, marketing

BTS is set to part ways with Sony Music’s Columbia Records and join Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company.

According to The Wall Street Journal, BTS’s agency HYBE has agreed to a distribution and marketing deal with Universal Music Group for US and other regions.

“While we greatly appreciate our time with Sony and will forever be grateful for all they have done and will continue to do, we look forward to our new chapter in partnership with Universal,” said HYBE.

The report said the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and both Universal and Columbia Records had no immediate comments.

The deal with UMG is expected to be effective Dec. 1, according to Variety.

Since 2018, BTS’s US marketing and promotion had been handled by Columbia Records, while distribution had been carried out by Sony subsidiary Orchard.

BTS and Universal are no strangers to each other, with the latter distributing the group’s Japanese-language releases through Universal Music Japan.

In February, HYBE, formerly Big Hit Entertainment, and Universal created a new joint venture to form a new boy band. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News