From Lisa to Jisoo: Meet the Korean Stars Who Ditched the Norm to Start Their Own Companies

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After Lisa and Jennie, Jisoo now joins the roster of successful K-pop stars and celebrities who have established their own entertainment agencies.

It’s official. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has finally launched her independent agency called Blissoo, following in the footsteps of her fellow groupmates Lisa (LLOUD) and Jennie (OA). Now, the Korean singer-actress joins the list of celebrities who have explored new interests and started their own entertainment companies, taking control of their careers.

While some Korean stars are dipping their toes on multiple projects and engagements, others have bravely taken a deep dive to start their label, giving them more freedom to explore other opportunities and carve their path in the entertainment industry—or other industries that they are interested in.

Here are the K-pop Stars and Celebrities Who Have Launched Their Agencies

If you think Korean idols and celebrities are only ruling the concert halls, awards nights, and streaming platforms, you’re in for a big surprise. It turns out they’ve gone beyond just performing and are now running their entertainment agencies.

Who are these K-pop stars and celebrities? Read on.

1. BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo

While BLACKPINK continues to be part of YG Entertainment, last year, the members made headlines by not renewing their individual contracts for solo activities. Following this announcement, the group’s main rapper, Jennie, launched her label ODD ATELIER in November 2023, and Lisa introduced LLOUD, a platform showcasing her vision in music and entertainment.

Soon after, Jisoo put an end to ongoing rumors about her label, unveiling it to the public on February 21. She shared the news on her Instagram, saying, “Hello, this is JISOO. I am excited to share my new start with BLISSOO. Stay tuned for what’s to come, for I’m dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to each and every one of you. Please continue to shower your love and support to JISOO with BLISSOO and also to BLACKPINK. Thank you.”

2. EXO’s D.O. and Lay

After a 13-year stint with SM Entertainment, D.O. (Do Kung-soo), EXO’s lead vocalist, launched his solo agency, Company Soosoo, alongside his longtime managing director. While SM Entertainment continues to oversee his promotions with EXO, his solo activities are now exclusively managed by his own company.

Meanwhile, Lay Zhang, the main dancer of the South Korean-Chinese boy group, established Zhang Yixing Studio in China in 2014 to handle his activities in the country. In 2020, he took it a step further by founding his own entertainment company, Chromosome Entertainment, which is now open to accepting trainees and is likely to debut new artists in China.

3. Son Suk-goo

Impressed by Son Suk-goo’s roles in Netflix’s A Killer Paradox and My Liberation Notes? Brace yourself for more surprises! The Korean actor not only excels in acting but also has a knack for creating top-notch content as well. With a decade of experience in the industry, he founded his very own entertainment and production company, Stature Inc. After leaving his former management, Saetbyuldang Entertainment, all his current activities are being overseen by a former manager.

4. Psy

Way before the trend of Korean celebrities launching their own labels took off, the record-breaking singer of Gangnam Style was already paving the way. Back in 2018, he established P Nation, serving as a record label, entertainment agency, and concert production company. Under his leadership, P Nation successfully debuted TNX, Jessi, HyunA, DAWN (formerly E’Dawn), Heize, Penomeco, and numerous other talents. Currently, the agency manages a roster of over 10 talents, including Crush, Hwasa, An Shin-ae, and Swings.

5. Rain

The OG oppa isn’t just a remarkable singer and actor with a filmography spanning Asia and America (including Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin), but also a savvy real estate mogul and the CEO of not one but two entertainment labels!

Rain made his mark in 2007 by establishing J. Tune Entertainment (previously known as Rainy Entertainment), a subsidiary of JYP Entertainment before fully merging with JYP in 2013. In 2015, he went on to create the R.A.I.N. Company, now the home of C.I.P.H.E.R., Oh Ye Ju, and Rain himself.

Several other Korean stars and idols have also ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing their own companies. This impressive list includes Lee Je Hoon (COMPANY ON), Lee Seung-Gi (Human Made), Lee Jong Suk (A-MAN Project), So Ji Sub (51k), Kang Daniel (KONNECT Entertainment), Highlight (Around Us Entertainment), Super Junior’s Donghae and Eunhyuk (ODE Entertainment), Jay Park (AOMG and H1ghr Music), 2NE1’s CL (Very Cherry), and Jackson Wang (TEAM WANG and Team Wang Design), among many others.

_{Cover image credit: Jisoo}