NU'EST pre-releases 'Bridge The World' on iTunes Japan

maddyxchangjo: These are all great points! I offer a counter point on the smaller transactions though: Microtransactions are quickly becoming a major way to earn revenue and do business. Major companies have completely changed their business models once they discovered how profitable microtransactions can be. So its a very real possibility that the label is seeking a quick, immediate burst of revenue by dropping some exclusive tracks for smaller purchases. When I logged into the Japanese iTunes store the other day, "Bridge the World" already had a huge popularity rating, it seems to be selling very well.

While they will be getting a good deal of revenue from the physical editions of the album, digital sales constitutes a huge driver for music sales these days. This is also beneficial, not just for the label, but also iTunes itself as they'll be getting a portion of the sales.

Despite the frustration of being more difficult for us international fans to access the new music, I really do think Ariola is treating our guys right. They're landing them some great publicity and work (I was so excited to see they were on Show Champions with BTS who is really hot right now). I know there was concern about them being loaned out to Japan for so long, but it seems to be going well for them. Its almost like they've been part of an exchange program with Ariola, an "idol boot camp" if you will, and are now ready to take on the world again.