Universal Music Greater China has signed Jason Zhang, one of the most commercially successful artists in Chinese-language pop, in a wide-ranging deal spanning recorded music, artist management, live performance and international strategy, structured in partnership with Zhang’s personal label, Planet Culture.
In a separate announcement, Universal Music Group also revealed a strategic investment in Solution One, a leading Thai music distribution and publishing business.
Zhang has released more than 17 albums and EPs across a career of more than two decades and has accumulated over 100 million followers across Chinese social media platforms. He is also the first Chinese artist to receive the American Music Awards’ International Artist Award.
His profile as a live performer was reinforced earlier this year when he completed 16 sold-out shows at Beijing National Stadium –the Bird’s Nest – over 24 days, drawing a total audience exceeding one million. The run formed part of his Future.Live — Leave For 1982 World Tour.
Timothy Xu, chair and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason Zhang to UMGC, whose exceptional musical talent has had great impact on Chinese music and culture. This new, holistic relationship is designed to support the next stage of Jason’s career, and in partnership with his personal label Planet Culture we look forward to taking his music to new audiences – in China, and internationally.”
Zhang added: “Universal Music has built solid roots in the Greater China music industry and understands the original aspirations of Chinese musicians, alongside a well-established global music network. Without a doubt, it is the perfect partner for my next musical journey. Going forward, the whole team at Planet Culture and I will work hand in hand with Universal. Rooted in domestic Chinese music, we will polish authentic works meticulously, introducing original Mandarin pop across Asia and to the rest of the globe, enabling global audiences to feel the power of integrated Mandopop.”
On the Thailand front, UMG’s deal with Solution One will see the company become a significant minority investor in the Bangkok-based firm. Founded in 2001 by CEO Karlcharn Kongkatong and co-founder Apsornsopha Sariman, S1 offers partners a full range of services covering music distribution, publishing, production, licensing and artist development. Its publishing arm, D1 – established in 2017 – focuses on royalty collection, rights management and catalog development. S1’s content partners’ releases consistently place among Thailand’s highest-performing titles on YouTube and streaming platforms, spanning genres including Luk Thung, Song for Life, T-Pop, regional folk-pop and original soundtracks for Boys Love and Girls Love drama series.
Thailand’s recorded music market is the largest in Southeast Asia, making up 23.8% of the region’s recorded music revenues, per the IFPI’s 2026 annual report. The partnership follows an earlier collaboration between S1, Virgin Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group.
Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Southeast Asia and Korea and senior VP of Asia, said: “This partnership reflects our continuous commitment to Thai music and is an exciting next step in our strategy to expand our presence in high-growth markets. We are delighted to work closely with Karl, a visionary entrepreneur who has built the largest local distribution in Thailand and together take S1 to the next level.”
Kongkatong said: “This partnership is an important step for the future of Thai music. By combining S1’s digital distribution and production expertise, D1’s publishing and rights management capabilities, and UMG’s global network, we are creating a stronger platform to bring Thai artists, creators, and intellectual property to audiences worldwide.”
Sariman, who serves as co-founder and general counsel of both entities, said: “We believe long-term value in the music industry is built through strong rights management, sustainable partnerships, and investment in creative talent. This partnership creates new opportunities to further expand the global reach of Thai music and entertainment.”
Kongkatong will continue to lead both S1 and D1 as CEO.
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