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So, what’s all this chatter about PEK48 then?
Looks like Superball Inc (previously Vernalossom) – the Tokyo-based company behind AKB48's international sister groups like MNL48 and KLP48 – is cooking up something new. And this time, they’re eyeing Beijing.
Yep, fans have spotted that Superball just filed a trademark for “PEK48” (short for Peking, the old-school name for Beijing). Not only that – they’ve registered the domain PEK48.cn too. Proper official.
According to domain data, the site’s owned by Superball themselves (sb_domain@superball.co.jp shows up as the contact), with registration handled through Interlink Co., Ltd.
The domain was secured on 3 April 2025 and is set to last until April next year.
This move’s got fans buzzing – and a bit suspicious.
For context: AKB48 already has a foothold in China via AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai), though that group’s reportedly been struggling with finances and exposure.
Meanwhile, BEJ48 – a Beijing-based spinoff of SNH48 (who famously split from AKB’s official line years ago) – has been doing its own thing since the great idol schism.
So, PEK48 might be Superball’s cheeky way of re-planting the AKB flag right under BEJ48’s nose. Bold move.
But here’s where it gets sticky.
Superball doesn’t exactly have a glittering track record with overseas groups.
MNL48 and KLP48 launched with fanfare but struggled with management consistency and visibility.
So naturally, fans are asking: is PEK48 going to be different… or just more of the same?
Right now, there’s no official site launch, no casting announcements, and not a whisper from the AKB48 mothership.
But that domain filing and trademark? That's not just a placeholder. It’s the idol world’s version of laying down a chess piece.
So – are we getting a brand-new idol group war in Beijing? Or will PEK48 quietly disappear into the shadow realm of forgotten franchise attempts?
Watch this space.