B1A4 is expanding its presence in Japan.

The K-pop boy band recently signed to Universal Music Japan in an effort to increase its popularity in the country, according to the group’s local management agency WM Entertainment on Friday.

“We decided to work with B1A4 for the group’s appeal, shown by each member’s limitless potential and their abilities as singers and producers,” said Universal Music Japan in a statement. “We will be actively overseeing and managing the group’s Japanese releases.”

Other prominent names in K-pop, including Girls’ Generation and Kara, are also currently signed with the Japanese record label.


Since debuting in 2011, the five-member act has had a string of hits, such as “OK,” “With You,” “Solo Day,” and “Sweet Girl.” To date, the group has released three Japanese mini albums.

B1A4 is also gearing up for its return to the spotlight with a new album which is set to be released this year.

By Kim Yu-young (ivykim@heraldcorp.com)