Earlier this week it was announced that top Korean record label and music industry big-wigs SM Entertainment made a crucial partnership with indie label BALJUNSO.

By investing in the smaller company, SM hopes to help spread the talents of South Korea's smaller bands and hip-hop artists around the globe.

Good news for the thriving K-Indie scene - or so BALJUNSO thought.

After the announcement, the indie label received some rather unexpected backlash from many fans who argued that ties to one of the country's largest entertainment companies would hinder the creative process of the artists, thus overshadowing their unique sound and special qualities.

On February 26, BALJUNSO addressed these concerns in a statement to the public.

According to CEO Kang Byung Yong, this business relationship will not affect the music being produced, rather, it will help the artists gain a bigger following and help move their careers forward.

"We are aware of the concerns some people may have... We will maintain the color of the indie scene and through the support, we will create an environment in which indie musicians will be able to promote more actively," he explained.

As for how he sees things panning out, Kang said, "We will focus more on concerts rather than broadcasts. The color of the indie scene will not fade."

He continued, "It is true that a substantial number of indie musicians are pursuing music under poor conditions. We will create a system in which it will be easier for them to produce and promote their albums."

The first chance for fans to see the new plan in action will come on March 8 when BALJUNSO and SM Entertainment host the BALJUNSO WORLD WIDE PROMOTION event in Seoul's Hongdae neighborhood. The live concert will feature performances from seven of BALJUNSO's best acts of various genres and styles.

The show is set for 4pm KST and will be broadcast around the world via SM's official YouTube channel and other streaming sites such as USTREAM and Genie.