MAPPING THE GLOBAL MUSIC VALUE CHAIN IN IZONE’S JAPANESE ALBUM “TWELVE” 2018 – 2020

Abstract

One consequence of technological advancement is the global rise of K-Pop, with IZONE exemplifying successful cross-national strategies. Formed through Mnet’s “Produce 48”, the group built a strong career in Japan and South Korea under joint management from both countries. Their Japanese album “TWELVE” (2020) topped Oricon’s weekly chart on October 19 – 26, 2020. This study maps the Global Music Value Chain (GMVC), adapted from De Voldere’s Global Value Chain (2017), onto “TWELVE” (2018–2020). Using a descriptive qualitative method and secondary data from literature, journals, and online sources, the findings demonstrate that “TWELVE” embodies the GMVC framework through the participation of cross-border actors in both main functions (creation, production, distribution, exhibition) and supporting functions (archiving, training, and management), demonstrating IZONE’s strategic use of transnational collaboration in the global music industry.