South Korean entertainment agencies have played an important role in the worldwide success of K-pop music. Many of these companies have undergone significant transformations over the years, including name changes, rebranding efforts, and mergers with other agencies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prominent entertainment companies in South Korea.
HYBE COMPANY
HYBE Corporation, formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment, founded in 2005, rose to prominence through its partnership with global superstars BTS. In March 2021, the company was rebranded as HYBE Corporation to reflect its broader focus on entertainment and lifestyle platforms.
JYP ENTERTAINMENT
JYP Entertainment has also undergone significant changes over the years, but its commitment to producing high-quality music remains unchanged. Originally founded as Taehong Planning Ltd. in 1997, the company was renamed JYP Entertainment in 2001 after founder Park Jin-young. Popular K-pop groups like Twice, Stray Kids, 2PM, etc. come under this agency.
ABYSS COMPANY
ABYSS Company, initially known as Blue Entertainment, was established in 2019. The company underwent a rebrand and changed its name to ABYSS Company on January 13, 2021. In February of the same year, they announced their acquisition and their merger with MAKEUS Entertainment. ABYSS Company quickly established itself as a major player in the K-pop industry.
DREAMCATCHER COMPANY
Dreamcatcher Company is named after their girl group, Dreamcatcher. Formerly known as Pungnyeon Entertainment, the company rebranded itself as Happyface Entertainment in January 2009. Then, in February 2019, the agency underwent a legal name change and officially registered as Dreamcatcher Company for reflect its strong focus on developing the careers of its artists.
ENTERTAINMENT CUBE
Cube Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment agency established in 2006 by Hong Seung Sung and Shin Jung Hwa as Playcube INC. Later in 2011, it renamed itself Cube Entertainment. Popular K-pop groups such as BTOB, PENTAGON, (G)I-DLE, etc. are part of this society.
IS ENTERTAINMENT
IST Entertainment is a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment. It was originally established in 2011 as A Cube Entertainment, a subsidiary of Cube Entertainment. In 2016, the company was renamed Plan A Entertainment before being rebranded as Play M Entertainment in 2019. In 2021, the agency was again rebranded as IST Entertainment.
KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT
Established in 2010, Kakao Entertainment was originally known as Podotree. In January 2021, the merger of Kakao M and Kakao Page led to the formation of Kakao Entertainment. The company has several renowned subsidiaries, including IST, Starship, and EDAM Entertainment, to name a few.
DSP MEDIA
Finally, DSP Media, a subsidiary of RBW, has a long and storied history in the entertainment industry. It was established as Daesung Planning in 1991. Over the years, it has undergone various name changes, including being renamed DSP Entertainment in 1999. In 2006, it merged with Hoshin Textile Co., Ltd. and was renamed DSP Enti. Finally, in 2008, it adopted its current name, DSP media.
South Korean entertainment agencies have been instrumental in the rise of K-pop music and continue to produce high-quality entertainment content for audiences around the world. Through ongoing rebranding efforts, mergers with other agencies, and a commitment to nurturing creative talent, these companies are poised to continue to make a significant impact on the global entertainment industry.