K-POP Agencies

Founded 1995· Lee Soo-man

A major first-generation agency that began in 1989 as SM Studio and became SM Entertainment in 1995. It has launched H.O.T., TVXQ!, Girls' Generation, EXO, aespa and others, and Kakao affiliates have been its largest shareholder since 2023.

Founded 1997· J.Y. Park (Park Jin-young)

Founded in 1997 by singer-producer Park Jin-young. It has launched Wonder Girls, 2PM, TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX and more.

Founded 1996· Yang Hyun-suk

An agency founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, formerly of Seo Taiji and Boys. BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER and others are or have been signed to it.

Founded 2008· Kim Shi-dae, Seo Hyun-joo, Kim Young-suk· Parent company Kakao Entertainment

An agency founded in 2008 whose largest shareholder is Kakao Entertainment. Its artists include MONSTA X, WJSN, CRAVITY, IVE and KiiiKiii.

Founded 1991· Lee Ho-yeon· Parent company RBW

A first-generation agency founded in 1991 that launched SECHSKIES, Fin.K.L and KARA. It became part of RBW in 2022 and is home to KARD and others.

Founded 2005· Bang Si-hyuk· Parent company HYBE

The former music label division of Big Hit Entertainment, it became an independent label under HYBE in July 2021. Home to BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and CORTIS.

Founded 2006· Hong Seung-sung, Shin Jung-hwa

Founded in 2006 by former JYP president Hong Seung-seong and others. Starting with 4Minute and BEAST, it has produced groups such as PENTAGON and (G)I-DLE.

Founded 2014· Son Dong-hoon (as MMO Entertainment)· Parent company CJ ENM

A label under CJ ENM that started in 2014 as MMO Entertainment. It mainly manages groups from Mnet audition shows, such as Kep1er and ZEROBASEONE.

· Kim Kyu-wook

Seven Seasons, founded for Block B, was renamed KQ Entertainment in 2016. ATEEZ and xikers are its flagship groups.

Founded 2007· Han Sung-soo· Parent company HYBE

An agency founded by Han Sung-soo in 2007; HYBE became its largest shareholder in 2020. SEVENTEEN and TWS are its flagship groups.

Founded 2009· So Sung-jin· Parent company HYBE

A label founded in 2009 that raised GFRIEND and was acquired by HYBE (then Big Hit) in 2019. It is now home to LE SSERAFIM.

Founded 2015· Teddy Park, Kush

A label founded in 2015 by YG producers Teddy and Kush, and an affiliate of YG Entertainment. Its roster includes Taeyang, Jeon Somi, ROSÉ, MEOVV and ALLDAY PROJECT.

Founded 2018· Joint venture of Big Hit Entertainment (HYBE) and CJ ENM· Parent company HYBE

Launched in 2018 as a joint venture between Big Hit and CJ ENM; HYBE acquired full ownership in 2023. ENHYPEN and ILLIT are signed to the label.

· Zico· Parent company HYBE

A label founded by rapper-producer Zico, which joined HYBE (then Big Hit) in 2020. It debuted BOYNEXTDOOR in 2023.

Founded 2003· Lee Jung-yeop

An agency founded in 2003 that has been home to Epik High, INFINITE, Lovelyz and others. It was brought under the SM group in 2013 at one point, and its current artists include Golden Child and DRIPPIN.

Founded 2006· Han Seong-ho

Founded in 2006, it made its name with band-style idols such as FTISLAND, CNBLUE and N.Flying. It also manages idols including SF9 and P1Harmony, as well as actors and TV personalities.

Founded 2010· Kim Jin-woo, Kim Do-hoon

Started in 2010 as Rainbow Bridge Agency. Home to MAMAMOO, ONEUS and others, it acquired stakes in WM Entertainment in 2021 and DSP Media in 2022.

Founded 2021· HYBE· Parent company HYBE

A label founded by HYBE in 2021 that debuted NewJeans in July 2022. Its exclusive-contract dispute with the NewJeans members led, after a 2025 court ruling, to an announcement that all members would return.

Founded 2021· Jaden Jeong, Joseph Baek

A label founded in 2021 by Jaden Jeong, former creative director of LOONA, and others. It runs tripleS, whose activities are decided by fan votes, and ARTMS, made up of former LOONA members.

Founded 2005· Bang Si-hyuk

Started in 2005 as Big Hit Entertainment and changed its name to HYBE in March 2021. A multi-label company, it oversees labels including BIGHIT MUSIC, PLEDIS Entertainment, SOURCE MUSIC, BELIFT LAB, KOZ Entertainment and ADOR.