In this interview, we speak with Ashlee Rackthai, founder and CEO of ANKR Entertainment, the reimagined successor to ATLocal. Ashlee shares how she transformed her company to reflect a renewed vision — one rooted in creating unforgettable fan-artist connections and sparking A New Kpop Revolution.
Leading with Heart: Interview with Ashlee Rackthai on Building ANKR Entertainment
After six years of building ATLocal Entertainment alongside a talented team that has since gone on to thrive in the industry, Ashlee Rackthai found herself at a creative crossroads. Rather than let the vision fade, Ashlee took a bold step forward — rebranding the company into something deeply personal and purpose-driven: ANKR Entertainment.
Named after her own initials (Ashlee N. K. Rackthai) and symbolizing “A New Kpop Revolution,” ANKR reflects Ashlee’s renewed commitment to creating unforgettable experiences that bring fans and artists closer together on a global scale. With vulnerability, clarity, and excitement, Ashlee is entering this next chapter, determined to spark a movement — one that transforms how the world connects through Kpop.
How It All Began: From Local Love to Global Dreams
Q: Ashlee, take us back to the beginning — please introduce yourself and share what inspired you to start ATLocal Entertainment; what was your original vision?
My name is Ashlee Rackthai, born and raised in Northern California. I once dreamed of becoming a singer or actress and even trained for it, but over time, that faded—though my love for music stayed strong.
I never expected to get into K-pop, but everything changed after I got involved with a show by chance. That experience introduced me to incredible people, some of whom became my teammates. Staying connected with them opened doors I never imagined.
I started ATLocal Entertainment out of pure passion. As a K-pop fan living in Atlanta, I noticed a gap — fans didn’t have access to events, concerts, or even meetups. So I thought, why not create them? It started small, with local events, but the goal was always to bring fans closer to the music and artists they love.
Q: What led you to rebrand the company as ANKR Entertainment?
The rebrand came after a period of growth. During COVID-19, changes happened. My partners have completed their studies and are pursuing their careers. I realized I needed to start over. We needed a name that better reflected who we had become — not just a local organizer but a company with a global mission. “ANKR” is derived from my initials, but it also stands for “A New K-pop Revolution.” It felt right to build a brand that’s both personal and powerful.
Q: What kind of “revolution” are you aiming to lead in the K-pop industry?
One centered on fans. We’re not just putting on shows. We’re creating meaningful, lasting experiences. I want ANKR to be a platform where fans feel seen, valued, and connected to their favorite artists in new, authentic ways.
From Local Stages to World Tours: The ANKR Expansion Story
Q: How has the company evolved since the early ANKR?
It’s grown from hosting local events in the U.S. to organizing international tours across Latin America and Europe. We’ve also expanded into K-hip hop, after-parties, and cafe-style experiences. The scale and scope have changed, but the heart of it — fans first — has stayed the same.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges during the transition?
Navigating cultural differences, learning new markets, and building a global team while maintaining our identity. We also had to shift our operational model and be more intentional about partnerships and logistics. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Q: Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known earlier?
That growth isn’t just about doing more — it’s about doing better. I wish I had trusted my instincts sooner and focused on building sustainable systems earlier on.
Fan-First Magic: What Sets ANKR Entertainment Apart
Q: ANKR aims to create memories between fans and artists. How do you do that differently?
We specialize in experiences you won’t find at traditional concerts — things like cafe events where idols serve fans as baristas, exclusive Polaroid sessions, and after-parties that feel personal. Like when Stray Kids came for their world tour, we had an after-party. Stray Kids never showed up at the after-party, but the vibe was just as exciting — I mean, requesting Stray Kids songs to the DJ, singing and dancing together with fellow fans. Those are the experiences fans are longing for.
Q: What is ANKR’s greatest strength as a company?
Our adaptability and community mindset. We build flexible teams tailored to each region, and we’re always listening to what fans want. That responsiveness sets us apart.
Fueling the Future: Investment & Global Partnerships
Q: Can you share any updates about investment or funding?
We’ve grown organically so far, with no outside investment — just event revenue and strategic sponsorships. That said, we’re now at a point where we’re open to the right investors who align with our values and long-term vision.
Q: Are there any upcoming partnerships you’re excited about?
We’re working on expanding the One Pact Tour. We may include new stops in South America. And, hopefully, we can go to Australia or Indonesia. We are also planning to launch our V1BEHAUS this year. Nothing official to announce yet, but we’re in exciting talks.
Q: What kind of collaborators are you looking to connect with now?
We’re looking for both artist-side partners — especially girl groups and K-R&B acts — and business-side allies who understand our mission and can help us scale responsibly.
People Behind the Movement: Team & Trust
Q: How has your team changed or grown over the years?
We started with a tight-knit group of 8–10 people at ATLocal. At ANKR, we operate through a trusted network of contractors and partners across various regions. Some original team members are still involved, and their loyalty has helped shape ANKR’s identity to this day.
Q: What’s the key to building a strong team in this industry?
Trust and flexibility. You need people who understand the fast pace and are aligned with the company’s core values — not just the glamour of K-pop.
Reading the Room: Trends, Fans & Staying Grounded
Q: The K-pop industry is evolving rapidly. What shifts have you noticed recently?
There’s a growing demand for more personalized, fan-centric events — not just arena shows. Fans want real interaction. Also, K-hip hop and R&B are rising, especially in the U.S. and Latin America, and female acts are gaining more attention.
Q: How do you stay inspired and grounded in this unpredictable industry?
By remembering why I started. I was a fan first. Staying in tune with that perspective helps me make better decisions and keep the heart in the business.
Q: What advice would you give someone starting a similar company today?
Start small, stay consistent, and always put fans first. Relationships matter more than hype. If you stay grounded and focused, the growth will come. And, most importantly, do it with your heart.
What’s Next: The Road Ahead for ANKR Entertainment
Q: What’s the biggest goal for ANKR Entertainment in the next year?
To launch larger-scale productions and continue expanding into new regions like the Middle East and Australia. We also want to bring K-pop to smaller U.S. cities that often get left out.
Q: Where do you hope ANKR Entertainment will be in five years?
I hope we’ll be known as the company that brought K-pop closer to fans — no matter where they are in the world. I want ANKR to be a global platform that creates both unforgettable experiences and real opportunities.
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