Top 12 Renowned Entertainment Companies in South Korea

SM Entertainment was founded on February 14, 1995 - it is the leading entertainment company in South Korea and is led by chairman Lee Soo Man. Chairman Lee Soo Man is credited with the greatest contribution to the global expansion of Korean culture. SM has introduced top-notch idol groups such as Super Junior, TVXQ, SNSD, ... and the groups they nurture always achieve tremendous success upon debut. The fanbase of SM's idol groups tops the world, gradually asserting their talent globally. SM is also known as the strictest company in the K-pop industry, tightly managing their talents from accepting shows to dating.

The company operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event organizer, concert producer, and music publisher. SM Entertainment is renowned for pioneering the promotion of K-pop worldwide, creating a new wave called the 'Korean Wave.' Currently, the company manages K-pop artists such as TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, J-Min, Shinee, Zhou Mi, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, SuperM, aespa, and recently GOT The Beat; previously SM managed groups like H.O.T, S.E.S., Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, TraxX, Jang Na-ra, The Grace, f(x), and Henry Lau.

Website: https://www.smentertainment.com/

JYP Entertainment was founded in November 1997, a frequent name on the list of the top 3 most influential entertainment companies in South Korea. Over the years, it has introduced many talented groups such as Wonder Girls, 2PM, Miss A, Twice, Got7, and more. The company has been asserting its position in the market under the skilled leadership of Park Jin Young. With his talent and music experience, he has brought forth some amazing music groups.

In addition to the entertainment industry in South Korea, the company also operates many subsidiaries and divisions worldwide. Current artists include 2PM, Day6, TWICE, Boy Story, Stray Kids, ITZY, NiziU, and NMIXX, while former artists include Rain, g.o.d, Wonder Girls, 2AM, Miss A, 15&, JJ Project, Got7, Jus2, and Baek A-yeon.

Website: https://www.jype.com/

YG Entertainment was established on February 24, 1996, and stands as one of the most influential entertainment companies in South Korea. Under the leadership of CEO Yang Hyun Suk, YG has produced exceptionally talented music groups such as Big Bang, PSY, along with renowned actors like Goo Hye Sun. YG's artists are on par with those of other companies in both talent and beauty. YG is renowned for its exceptional treatment of its artists.

YG also operates several subsidiary companies under a separate public commercial company, including a clothing brand, a golf management agency, and a cosmetics brand. Current artists include Sechskies, Big Bang, Akdong Musician, Winner, iKON, Blackpink, and Treasure, as well as actors Kang Dong-won, Choi Ji-woo, Cha Seung-won, Lee Sung-kyung, and Yoo In-na, and Son Na-eun. Other notable artists include Jeon So-mi (under The Black Label subsidiary) and Anda (under YGX subsidiary).

Website: https://www.ygfamily.com/en/main

Cube Entertainment was founded in 2002 by former JYP Entertainment CEO Hong Seung Sung (also known as Simon Hong) and Monica Shin. Cube officially established its first subsidiary company in 2011, A Cube Entertainment. The company is known as a South Korean entertainment company operating as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management, and music concert production company.

Cube is famous for its 'self-composing and self-producing' idol groups. Despite once being in a very prominent position, mismanagement of artists caused Cube Entertainment's reputation to plummet. However, thanks to relentless efforts to improve promotional plans, Cube Entertainment is gradually succeeding in reclaiming its former glory.

Website: http://www.cubeent.co.kr/

Pledis Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment companies, has a remarkable history of formation and development stemming from the efforts of its founder, Han Sungsoo. Born in 2007, Han Sungsoo brought not only valuable experience from working at SM Entertainment but also a distinct creative vision to Pledis. The first artist of Pledis, Son Dambi, proved the company's allure and talent from the early days of its establishment. The diversity in Pledis' artists and projects helped the company quickly build a reputation in the entertainment industry.

A special aspect of Pledis Entertainment is innovation and creativity in talent training, music production, and K-Pop music distribution. Pledis not only focuses on developing talented artists but also on creating iconic music products that demonstrate uniqueness and creativity.

In May 2020, Pledis Entertainment witnessed a major turning point when Big Hit Entertainment officially became its largest shareholder. However, this did not diminish Pledis' independence and importance in the K-Pop entertainment industry. With strategic vision and diversity in artist projects, Pledis Entertainment continues to position itself significantly, contributing to the strong development of the K-Pop wave internationally.

Website: https://www.pledis.co.kr/

Jellyfish Entertainment is a South Korean record label and entertainment agency founded by musician and producer Hwang Se-jun in Seoul, South Korea. The first artist to sign with the management company was ballad singer Sung Si-kyung, who released the single 'Parting Once Again.' A year later, two artists, Lisa and Park Hak-ki, signed contracts with Jellyfish.

Jellyfish Entertainment is the home to solo artists Park Hyo-shin, Park Yoon-ha, Seo In-guk, and Sung Si-kyung, as well as the boy band VIXX, their sub-unit VIXX LR, Gugudan, and VERIVERY. The company also manages several actors such as Julien Kang, Park Jung-ah, Choi Ji-na, and Park Jung-soo.

Fantagio originally started as N.O.A (short for 'Network of Asia'), and later rebranded to Fantagio in June 2011. Besides talent management, Fantagio has expanded into the film and television industry, producing films such as Love Fiction (2011), 577 Project (2011), Silenced (2011), Fasten Your Seatbelt (2013), After School: Lucky or Not (2013), and Cunning Single Lady (2014) through its subsidiary Fantagio Pictures.

Fantagio has also invested in the dessert restaurant brand Mango Six. Additionally, Fantagio owns companies across various sectors such as Madin Entertertainment, Fantagio Pictures, Fantagio Music, Solid C&M. Currently, the company manages two popular idol groups, Astro and Weki Meki. Moreover, Ong Seong-wu, a solo artist and former member of Wanna One who participated in Produce 101 Season 2, is also under the management of this company.

SidusHQ, established in January 2001 under the management of Jung Hoon-tak, stands among the top entertainment companies in South Korea. Known as a powerhouse in the Asian entertainment industry, the company engages in artist management and television/music production activities.

Currently, the company represents numerous renowned actors such as Jo Bo-ah, Kim Ha-neul, Kim Yoo-jung, Um Ki-joon, Jang Hyuk, and more. Additionally, the company is the management agency for the once-popular boy group g.o.d. Recently, former EXID member Seo Hyerin has also joined this company.