YG Entertainment, the agency behind some of K-pop’s biggest acts, has announced it is closing its acting division. This is a major shift in focus for YG, which will now concentrate on its music business.
The label will undergo a major restructuring and prioritize its core music business and discontinue its actor management services.
YG’s acting roster includes some of the Kdrama industry’s biggest names such as Lee Sung Kyung, Yoo In Na, Claudia Kim, Kim Hee Ae, Yoo Seung Ho, Jung Hye Young, Yoo Seung Ho, Lee Soo Hyuk, Jang Ki Yong, Lee Ho Jung, Kal So Won, Son Na Eun, and more.
A YG spokesperson told Donga that the agency will continue to support actors currently under contract until their agreements expire. Once the contracts are fulfilled, the agency and actors will amicably go their separate ways.
They stated, “We sincerely thank all the actors who have been with us and all the fans who have given us so much love. We will not hold back on the necessary support until the very end.”
YG stated, “We have been consistently working on restructuring our business to focus on our main operations. We see 2025 as the year when these efforts will bear fruit.
“While enhancing the sustainability of our existing IPs, we will also accelerate the discovery and development of new IPs. We will continue to strengthen our core capabilities and solidify our leadership in the music industry, writing another chapter of growth for YG.”
On the other hand, YG Entertainment manages talented groups like BLACKPINK, WINNER, AKMU, TREASURE, and BABYMONSTER. More groups are scheduled to debut this year.
Despite individual members being managed by separate agencies, BLACKPINK will continue to work together under YG.
The agency has also unveiled exciting plans for its other groups. BABYMONSTER is set to embark on a world tour this year, kicking off with a Seoul concert in January.
TREASURE has a packed schedule ahead, with the release of a new mini-album and third full-length album. They will also perform in four major US cities, New York, Washington DC, Oakland, and Los Angeles as part of their ‘TREASURE 2025 FIRST US TOUR [SPECIAL MOMENT]’ in April. The group will then launch a worldwide tour in October.
To support BLACKPINK’s upcoming comeback and world tour this year, YG Entertainment has established a dedicated project team. This specialized unit will ensure the group’s global tour runs smoothly.
Additionally, they plans to expand its strategic support for 2NE1. The legendary group is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary with a successful tour.