WeVerse is facing significant criticism for implementing a mandatory digital membership system that requires partner labels to pay fees and share subscription revenue. The platform, owned by Hybe, announced these changes to over 130 music labels on September 26.

Key Details of the New System:

• Launch Date: December 1
• Monthly subscription costs for fans: $2-4
• Revenue split: WeVerse takes 30-60%, labels receive 40-70%
• Features include offline access, ad-free streaming, and higher-quality videos

The platform currently offers a $24 annual community membership, but the new digital membership adds additional features. Labels must participate to maintain their artists' presence on the platform, which has raised concerns about monopolistic practices.

Industry Impact:

• WeVerse has 10 million monthly active users
• 152 teams are hosted on the platform
• 137 teams are non-Hybe affiliated
• Labels feel pressured to comply due to WeVerse's market dominance

Democratic Party Representative Lee Jung-mun has called for the Fair Trade Commission to investigate these practices for potential unfair treatment of affiliated companies. Many labels consider WeVerse's revenue share disproportionate but feel unable to leave the platform due to its dominant position in K-pop fan engagement.

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