Sony Acquires Half of Michael Jackson's Copyrights for Record 800 Billion Won

Highest Price in Copyright Transactions for a Single Singer

Sony Music Group in the United States has signed a deal to acquire half of the recording and songwriting copyrights of the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson for at least $600 million (approximately 800 billion KRW), Billboard reported on the 9th (local time). This is the largest copyright transaction ever for a single artist.

Pop singer Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, 'Thriller'

Michael Jackson's music assets are valued at over $1.2 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion KRW). Some estimates suggest it could reach $1.5 billion (about 2 trillion KRW). Sony Music and the Michael Jackson Estate reportedly made the deal to trade half of the copyrights for $600 million based on this valuation. Royalty income related to Broadway plays and other performances using Jackson's music was not included.

After Jackson's death, his estate has been managed by the corporation "Michael Jackson Estate." Billboard previously estimated that the Jackson Estate earns about $70.5 million (approximately 100 billion KRW) annually in copyright revenue, with direct income from Jackson's recordings and publications alone reaching $47.2 million (about 63 billion KRW). Next year, the biographical film "Michael" is set to be released, which is expected to further increase copyright revenue.

"Michael" is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for "The Equalizer," "Southpaw," and "The Magnificent Seven," and produced by Graham King, who participated in "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Tomb Raider," and "World War Z." The biopic's lead role has attracted attention with the casting of Michael Jackson's nephew, Jafar Jackson. Jafar Jackson is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson's older brother and a member of the group "Jackson 5."

Jackson, a legend of American popular music, sold over 400 million records worldwide and had 13 number-one hits on the Billboard singles chart.

Previously, "rock legend" Bruce Springsteen sold the copyrights to his songs for $550 million in 2021, and "folk godfather" Bob Dylan also disposed of his music copyrights for $300 to $400 million. Justin Bieber made headlines by selling all of his music copyrights to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for $200 million (252.6 billion KRW).