YG Entertainment, one of South Korea’s leading entertainment powerhouses, announced on Friday that it will discontinue its actor management division as part of a strategic restructuring to focus on its core music business.
The agency currently represents over 20 prominent actors, including Kim Hee Ae, Cha Seung Won, Jang Ki Yong, Son Na Eun, Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Soo Hyuk, Claudia Kim, Lee Sung Kyung, and Joo Woo Jae. According to YG, “We will continue to care for actors with remaining contract terms until their expiration.” The announcement has sparked industry speculation about the future moves of these stars, with many expected to seek new representation.
The company stated, “We have been gradually preparing to concentrate on our music business. Last year, we integrated YGX into our global training center, internalizing its expertise and capabilities. We also expanded our internal producer team from around 10 to approximately 50 members, strengthening our production system.”
YG highlighted recent successes, noting, “As a result, BABYMONSTER, who officially debuted in April last year, has successfully established themselves in the market at a rapid pace, releasing their debut mini-album followed by their first full album in November, and launching a global tour in their rookie year.”
The company’s recent third-quarter financial report showed revenue of 83.5 billion KRW (approximately USD 57.4 million), a 42% decrease year-over-year, with an operating loss of 3.6 billion KRW—the weakest performance among Korea’s “Big 4” entertainment companies. However, analysts project improved results in 2025 with BLACKPINK’s comeback and BABYMONSTER’s growing momentum.
“We are positioning 2025 as the inaugural year where these efforts will translate into results,” YG announced. “While enhancing the sustainability of existing IP, we will accelerate the discovery and development of new IP. We will continuously strengthen our core competencies and solidify our leadership in the music industry, marking another chapter in YG’s growth story.”
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