izna, Alpha Drive One to partner with U.S. label

K-pop agency WakeOne signed a partnership with Republic Collective, the Universal Music Group division that released the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, to push girl group izna and boy band Alpha Drive One into overseas markets. 

With the partnership, Republic Collective will be the U.S. partner for promotion and distribution of the groups' albums.

"We are pleased to join with Republic Collective at such an important time, as izna and Alpha Drive One prepare for their global expansion," WakeOne said in a press release Wednesday. 

"We will work closely with Republic Collective and pursue a wide range of activities to expand the artists' influence on the global stage."

Universal's Republic Collective combines Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Mercury Records, with many of the top artists like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd being a part of the label. 

izna was formed through the Mnet survival show "I-Land2" (2024), debuting in November 2024. The girl group released its third EP "Set the Tempo" with its lead track "Metronome" on June 8. 

Alpha Drive One, also formed through audition show "Boys II Planet" (2025), debuted in January with its EP "Euphoria." 

BY CHO YONG-JUN [[email protected]]S