5 K-Pop Stars Who Launched Their Own Entertainment Agencies

When Korean idols leave their agencies, especially after years of training and working under them, their departures often spark widespread online discussion and debate. Beyond speculation about what prompted their decisions and how long they considered them, one question tends to dominate conversations among fans and the general public: What will they do next?

Typically, idols sign with other agencies, often pursuing solo careers if they originally debuted as part of a group. Others venture beyond music to explore acting or pursue opportunities outside South Korea. More recently, however, members of some of K-pop's biggest acts have taken a different route by starting their own agencies, aiming not only to manage their own creative vision but also to manage other idols, drawing on their firsthand industry experience.

PSY is a trailblazer in K-pop, and his global success marked a significant milestone in the genre's rise to mainstream popularity. Even before he left YG Entertainment in 2018, he had arguably outgrown the agency's image and creative identity.

A year after leaving YG, he established his own entertainment agency, P Nation, which quickly gained attention after signing HyunA, Dawn, and Jessi as some of its first artists. Since then, the company has expanded its roster to include two groups and eight soloists, among them Crush and MAMAMOO's Hwasa.

Even during his time with GOT7, one of K-pop's defining third-generation boy groups, Jackson Wang had already established himself as a prominent media personality. Beyond his natural comedic flair on Korean variety shows, he gained international recognition as a multilingual artist through his solo career and collaborations with Western and Chinese musicians.

Team Wang initially operated as an agency managing his activities in China. After leaving JYP Entertainment in 2021, Jackson expanded the company's operations to oversee his international career. He has continued collaborating with Korean solo artists while building his global presence, including three Coachella appearances, most recently as part of 88rising's Futures set in 2024.

Baekhyun spent 12 years with SM Entertainment, debuting just a year after joining the agency as a trainee. He went on to become one of the standout vocalists of hit boy group EXO, reinforcing SM Entertainment's reputation for producing powerhouse singers. Beyond the group, Baekhyun also lent his voice to several popular K-drama soundtracks, including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Record of Youth, and Dr. Romantic.

In 2023, Baekhyun established his own label, INB100, to manage his solo activities and later brought fellow EXO members Chen and Xiumin under the agency. The move marked a new chapter in his career, giving him greater independence over his work outside the group.

Much like her fellow BLACKPINK members, Jisoo has built a career that extends well beyond music. From becoming a global ambassador for Dior to making her acting debut in the romantic drama Snowdrop, she has kept busy pursuing individual projects between the group's comebacks.

In 2023, Jisoo and her fellow members decided not to renew their individual contracts with YG Entertainment, while remaining with the agency for BLACKPINK's group activities. She subsequently established her own label, BLISSOO, in 2024 to oversee her solo endeavors across music, acting, and fashion, giving her greater control over her growing career outside the group.

As TWICE's leader, Jihyo has long been recognized for her dedication and commanding stage presence. She joined JYP Entertainment at age eight and spent a decade training before debuting in 2015. Her commitment to performing has remained evident throughout her career, with her infectious energy and powerful performances frequently gaining traction online.

Her reported departure from JYP Entertainment on October 21, 2026, therefore came as a surprise to many fans. Just a day later, Jihyo reportedly announced she would establish her own agency, EMITHAUS. While the company will initially focus on managing her solo activities, it reportedly has plans to expand its roster to include other artists in the future.