Once upon a time in the bustling city of Singapore, the KTV industry was ruled by two fierce competitors: Partyworld KTV and K Box Karaoke.
Their melodious battles echoed through the streets, as they vied for the hearts and ears of karaoke enthusiasts.
However, as the years have passed, the landscape of Singapore’s KTV scene has changed dramatically. People obsessed with TikTok probably didn’t know this battle, much like how they didn’t know the battle between Sega and Nintendo.
One question keeps popping up in the minds of those who once reveled in the glory days: What on Earth happened to K Box? It seems to have vanished without a trace, like a high note swallowed by the wind.
The Untold Story of How K Box Karaoke Disappeared Quietly
To solve this mystery, we need to journey back to early 2016.
It was then that the karaoke world experienced a seismic shift that we probably didn’t know of, as Manekineko—a brand as enigmatic as its feline mascot—swooped in and took over the K Box empire.
No, it’s not related to the blue Goody Feed cat. This is how it looks like:
In the blink of an eye, seven former K Box outlets, including the then iconic one at Orchard Cineleisure, underwent a transformation.
These once-familiar havens of song were revamped and rebranded, effectively marking the end of K Box’s reign.
Alas, life truly shows no mercy, even if you’re a cute cat.
Now, you may be wondering: Who is this Manekineko that dethroned our beloved K Box?
Everything About Manekineko
Contrary to what its adorable cat logo may suggest, Manekineko was not founded by a cabal of musical felines. Instead, it is the creation of Koshidaka Holdings, a Japanese MNC that specializes in KTV establishments, fitness centers, and hot spring centers.
With an impressive portfolio of over 400 KTV outlets in Japan alone back then, it’s no wonder that their expansion into the international market would involve acquiring K Box and reshaping it in their image.
Of course, as we all know, the cruel hand of COVID-19 has since forced Manekineko to cease operations in Singapore, though they did mention that it’s not “goodbye”, so we might see their comeback.
This means that K Box might also make a comeback.
So, what was K Box like in its heyday, you ask?
K Box, Based on Goody Feed Staff Members’ Memories
Truth be told, K Box and Partyworld were more similar than most people realized.
Their pricing rates were nearly indistinguishable, and the room sizes were quite comparable. They were two peas in a karaoke pod, if you will.
For those who never had the chance to visit K Box (perhaps due to a lack of social life, a voice that could shatter glass, or simply being too young), imagine a Partyworld KTV that was just slightly…not Partyworld KTV.
It’s a bittersweet memory that lingers, like a forgotten refrain.
And in case you’re wondering, Partyworld now stands alone, operating just one outlet as of 2023 at WaterFront Plaza.
It’s enough to make anyone who time-traveled from 2013 to 2023 feel disoriented, witnessing how dramatically the world—and the KTV landscape—has changed.
Watch this for a complete summary of what REALLY happened to Qoo10, and why it's like a K-drama:
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