BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Lisa, EXO’sBaekhyun and more:K-pop idols who have assumed the role of CEO by launching their own agencies

In the K-pop industry, it seems like everyone's trying to be the CEO of their own destiny! Gone are the days of relying solely on the 'Big 4' (SM, JYP, YG, and HYBE) to make dreams come true. Now, it's all about seizing the reins and starting your own entertainment empire. Lately, a growing number of idols are establishing their own entertainment companies, whether driven by dissatisfaction with previous management or a desire for creative freedom. Here's a closer look at some of the notable idols who have taken the bold step of launching their own agencies.

Following in the footsteps of D.O., EXO member Baekhyun also departed from SM Entertainment in 2023 to pursue solo endeavors. Upon his exit, he established his own agency, INB100, to oversee his individual promotions as well as those of EXO-CBX, the subunit he belongs to with Xiumin and Chen. INB100 is tasked with managing the solo as well as unit activities of all three members of EXO-CBX. Notably, Baekhyun reportedly took out loans totaling 13 billion KRW (approximately Rs 82 crore) to establish INB100. Explaining his decision, the singer expressed, "I took out the loan with the meaning that I should never neglect the operations after setting up my own company, and to always live with that pressure".

A prime example is the renowned girl group BLACKPINK. After ending their exclusive contract with YG Entertainment last year, the members renewed a short-term contract with YG solely for group activities. Jennie then launched her own agency, ODD ATELIER or OA, in November 2023 and announced it on social media in December. On the music show 'The Seasons - Lee Hyori's Red Carpet' on January 5, 2024, Jennie explained her decision, saying, "I wanted to explore individual activities more freely, which led me to carefully establish my own company".

In February 2024, BLACKPINK's Jisoo announced on Instagram the launch of her independent agency, Blissoo, which she has established with her brother. Following in the footsteps of her fellow groupmates, Lisa and Jennie, who recently started their own companies, Jisoo aims to carve out her own path in the industry. According to Blissoo’s official website, the agency name is a blend of 'bliss' and 'Jisoo'. The label's mission is to “share the happiness that Jisoo creates in her own unique way” while “transcending the boundaries of genres and fields”.

Joining the trend of solo ventures, Pentagon’s Kino also founded his individual agency, NAKED. Departing from CUBE Entertainment, which currently manages Pentagon and (G)I-DLE, Kino established NAKED in 2023 to focus on his solo career. Marking a new chapter, NAKED launched its official social media account on December 15, 2023, showcasing a minimalist logo. In an enthusiastic statement via an official press release, Kino expressed excitement about the future with NAKED, saying, "I have high expectations for the future I will face at NAKED. I will show you a new side of me that I have never shown before, so please show a lot of interest and support".

BLACKPINK's Lisa has followed the trend of starting her own agency by founding a new artist management company called 'LLOUD' in February 2024. According to its official website, LLOUD aims to be a ‘fusion of sound and innovation’. The company’s brand statement reads: "At LLOUD, our passion as an artist management company is to create experiences that transcend genres and connect generations. Our core lies in relentless innovation and a commitment to authenticity. We're not just pushing boundaries; we're redefining them, crafting chart-topping and genre-defying music".

Rocky, formerly managed by Fantagio and a member of ASTRO since their debut in 2016, began his solo journey in 2023. Following contract renewal negotiations, he parted ways with the group to pursue solo endeavors. Taking charge as CEO, Rocky established his self-founded agency, One Fine Day Entertainment, to facilitate his solo activities. The agency's name - One Fine Day Entertainment, reflects Rocky's aspiration for every day to be splendid. Already making strides, Rocky released his debut mini-album ‘ROCKYST’, under his newly founded agency.