# JO1 North American market expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/jo1-north-american-market-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-02T04:37:13.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The global boy group JO1, a collaboration between CJ ENM and Yoshimoto Kogyo, has initiated an expansion into the North American market. The group aims to establish a musical identity termed ‘JO1 POP’, which they describe as sitting between J-pop and K-pop.

To support this expansion, the group released their US debut EP, ‘ANIMAL’, on October 2, 2026. The EP features production by Grammy-winning producer Dem Jointz. The title track, also named ‘ANIMAL’, is a dance anthem centered on the theme of releasing one’s inner wildness. The accompanying music video depicts the group moving from the ‘cage’ of Japan into the ‘jungle’ of the world.

Accompanying the release is a North American tour starting in Toronto, with subsequent stops in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Promotional efforts include autograph sessions and pop-up stores across several cities.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: JO1 releases music video for US debut title track ‘ANIMAL’

JO1 has released the music video for ‘ANIMAL’, the title track of their US debut EP produced by Dem Jointz, featuring high-energy choreography and a message of personal liberation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jo1-releases-music-video-for-us-debut-title-track-animal

### 2026-09-28: JO1 announces North American tour and US EP ‘ANIMAL’ release

Boy group JO1 is launching a North American tour and releasing their US EP ‘ANIMAL’ on October 2, aiming to establish a unique ‘JO1 POP’ musical identity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jo1-announces-north-american-tour-and-us-ep-animal-release

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Cite as: JO1 North American market expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/jo1-north-american-market-expansion