Beginning on Wednesday, there exists a possibility that your cherished songs, including K-pop, may be withdrawn from TikTok.
As reported by multiple media sources on January 31, Universal Music Group has been engaging in discussions with TikTok regarding compensation for artists and songwriters on the platform.
According to NBC News, Universal Music Group stated, “It would pull its tracks because of a lack of compensation for artists and songwriters” and added, “TikTok proposed paying our artists and songwriters at a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay.”
Hence, Universal Music Group intends to eliminate popular tracks from the platform unless a consensus is reached with TikTok.
This implies that TikTok users will lose access to popular music from artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, and others. Additionally, numerous K-pop artists, signed under Universal Music Group for international promotions, will no longer have their music, including BTS, Seventeen, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and more, on TikTok.
Universal Music Group reportedly to remove music catalog from TikTok starting tomorrow after unsuccessful negotiations with TikTok. This can affect K-pop acts under their labels. pic.twitter.com/Or6J1SEG1V
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) January 31, 2024
Korean netizens expressed various sentiments, ranging from concern with comments like “That’s really bad” to skepticism about TikTok’s impact with remarks such as “I don’t use TikTok, so it doesn’t affect me.”
Opinions on the necessity of music for TikTok videos varied, with some hoping the situation would deter dance challenges. Some speculated on the negotiation dynamics, suggesting a financial aspect, stating, “TikTok is a Chinese company, and they’re being cheap, that’s why Universal Music Group is pulling out the music.” Questions arose about the complete restriction on using music in TikTok videos.
