Established to more easily organize their individual activities
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| Jennie Blackpink (instagram.com/jennierubyjane) |
The year 2023 is an important moment in the South Korean entertainment industry. In this year, a number of famous artists decided to take control in managing their own careers. The steps taken were quite bold, as they chose to set up their own agencies that freed these artists to be creative. Cool, yes.
From legendary actors to internationally recognized K-Pop stars, here are seven South Korean artists who decided to form their own agencies in 2023. Let’s take a look!
1. Kang Don Won – AA Group
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| Kang Don Won (instagram.com/kangdonwon23) |
Kang Don Won is a veteran actor who has starred in many box office movies in South Korea. After deciding to leave YG Entertainment, the actor who played in the movie Broker decided to establish a talent agency called AA Group in January 2023.
Although currently the management structure is still a one-man agency, in the future this agency will open up opportunities for talented young actors with the same vision to work in the South Korean entertainment industry.
2. Kim Jae Joong – iNKODE
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| Kim Jae Joong (instagram.com/jj_1986_jj) |
Kim Jae Joong, known as a singer, actor, and member of boy band JYJ, chose to bring his long experience in the South Korean entertainment industry into the talent management business. On June 15, 2023, he inaugurated his own agency called iNKODE. Together with Noh Hyun Tae, the former vice president of Cube Entertainment formed inKode to find bright young talents in the South Korean entertainment industry later.
Not only nurturing rookie idols, later, the former TVXQ member will make inKode a management of K-Pop artists and actors, you know. The soul of a businessman has been seen from Kim Jae Joong for a long time, yes.
3. Donghae and Eunhyuk – ODE Entertainment
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| Donghae and Eunhyuk Super Junior (instagram.com/superjunior) |
Two members of Super Junior, Donghae and Eunhyuk decided to create their own agency called ODE Entertainment on September 1, 2023. The agency was established after they decided not to continue their contract with SM Entertainment on August 31, 2023.
Later, this agency will be responsible for Donghae and Eunhyuk’s various activities in the world of art. Launching Allkpop, the two of them still participate in every Super Junior activity and are on good terms with SM Entertainment. So they didn’t leave SuJu, really.
4. Rocky eks-Astro – OneFineDay Entertainment
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| Rocky eks-Astro (instagram.com/p_rocky) |
In August, Rocky, a former member of Astro, announced that he had established his own agency called OneFineDay Entertainment. Rocky will continue his career as a solo singer in this agency.
Uniquely, not only as a singer, Rocky will also be directly involved as an agency CEO, songwriter, producer, song composer, and choreographer of songs and music created by him. How cool is that!
5. D.O EXO – SooSoo Company
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| D.O EXO (instagram.com/weareone.exo) |
Do Kyungsoo or D.O EXO is confirmed not to extend the exclusive contract with SM Entertainment. Although still a member of EXO, the actor and soloist’s various activities will be taken care of by a new agency he created with a former SM Entertainment manager.
Named SooSoo Company, Kyungsoo and this former manager are known to have long prepared projects that support Kyungsoo’s career, you know. So can’t wait for a surprise from D.O, here.
6. Jennie Blackpink – ODD ATELIER
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| Jennie Blackpink photo (instagram.com/jennierubyjane) |
Through her Instagram post, Jennie Blackpink announced the happy news about the agency she founded. ODD ATELIER or OA is the name of the agency that will take care of her solo music projects starting in 2024.
Even so, Jennie, Rose, Lisa, and Jisoo will continue to carry out activities carried out by Blackpink as a girl band in the future. So, Jennie and other members’ relationship with YG Entertainment is still going well, yes.
7. Hwang In Youp
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| Hwang In Youp (instagram.com/hi_high_hiy) |
The actor, who is known through popular series such as True Beauty along with Cha Eun-woo, decided to set up his own agency on December 26, 2023. After five years of acting, the actor known for playing nicely in the series 18 Again decided to set up a one-man agency along with the manager who accompanied him since he was a rookie. Well, Hwang In Youp will be more free to manage his own artistic activities, here.
Creating your own agency is not only a bold career move, but also a big responsibility for these artists. They must have thought it through, and we as fans must respect their decision. Keep supporting their works!