82MAJOR, RESCENE Among 10 K-POP Groups Selected for Korea's Global Expansion Program

South Korea is stepping up support for smaller K-POP agencies looking to expand overseas.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) announced the launch of the "SME Agency Global Leap Support Project," a new initiative designed to help independent and mid-sized K-POP companies grow in international markets.

Under the program, 10 agencies will be selected each year to receive up to 300 million won (about $220,000) annually. The funding can be used flexibly for overseas expansion, including album and music video production for export, local marketing and promotional campaigns, and international concerts.

The first groups selected for the project are RESCENE, xikers, TUNEXX, KIIRAS, can't be blue, 82MAJOR, Big Ocean, USPEER, X:IN and 8TURN.

For fans, the initiative could lead to more overseas activities from these artists in the coming years. RESCENE plans to expand promotions in Japan and the United States and is set to perform at KCON LA in August. xikers is also preparing to strengthen its presence in Japan through upcoming music releases and unit projects.

Meanwhile, rookie boy group TUNEXX is targeting India, with plans to perform in Mumbai and film a music video there, while KIIRAS is preparing showcases in Malaysia and fan meetings across seven Asian countries.

MCST said the project aims to help smaller agencies compete more effectively on the global stage and contribute to the long-term growth of the K-POP industry.