Some of these artists literally saved their companies from bankruptcy.
The following K-pop groups and soloists all contributed a major part to the success of their management agencies, but their current whereabouts and how they are treated are not the same.
GFRIEND
The most famous girl group launched by Source Music, GFRIEND was actively promoting for 6 years and earned many great achievements. They released several smash hits over the years.
The popularity of GFRIEND was beyond expectations because they debuted under a company that was debt-ridden and on the verge of bankruptcy. After the resounding success of Rough and the following comebacks, GFRIEND single-handedly saved Source Music. From a basement, Source Music turned into a building and became a well-known label, all thanks to GFRIEND.
After parting ways and leaving the company, GFRIEND members went on to have different career paths. While most of the members debut again as idol singers, Yerin and Sowon focus on acting.
BIGBANG
BIGBANG was formed by YG Entertainment in 2006 with 5 members G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri. They hit big in 2007 with the iconic song Lies.
BIGBANG was YG’s most impactful artist that revived the company with their huge success and popularity both domestically and overseas. YG relied on BIGBANG for a long time. It is a well-acknowledged fact that BIGBANG’s debut was how YG was able to become the K-pop giant that it is today.
BIGBANG recently made a comeback after a 4-year hiatus with the single Still Life. Although the members were wrapped up in controversies, Still Life still managed to achieve great results even without promotion. BIGBANG once again affirmed their status as a “K-pop King” when Still Life scored 36 Perfect All-Kills.
BTS
Before BTS shot to fame, Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) was a small agency with no impact. At that time, the Korean entertainment industry was dominated by Big 3 agencies including SM, YG and JYP Entertainment.
After many years of operation, BTS is called the “super-profitable group” of Korea. BTS continuously wins international awards, collaborates with world stars and has a strong fan base. Currently, it has been 9 years of operation, but the group still maintains a stable performance.
IU
After being refused by numerous management firms, IU‘s enduring popularity has caused many firms to regret missing out on a “golden goose.” IU began her career at LOEN Entertainment after overcoming numerous setbacks.
IU has progressively conquered the audience with her talent and beautiful looks, and has been called Korea’s national younger sister. IU has helped LOEN Entertainment grow from a small agency to a well-known company. IU is still a “digital music monster” with each comeback; in addition, the female idol debuted as an actress and has had a lot of success with several hit dramas.
BoA
BoA is no longer a strange name to K-pop fans. She has been called the “Korean pop queen”. However, BoA had to spend her teenage years at SM Entertainment‘s practice room before she could establish a strong position.
The female idol is one of the artists who help SM assert their position. Not only that, she is also one of the pioneers of the Hallyu movement, helping the Korean cultural wave spread to countries around the world. Currently, BoA is the executive producer of SM Entertainment.
MAMAMOO
MAMOMOO was founded by RBW Entertainment (formerly WA Entertainment) in 2014 with 4 members: Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa. Like other groups from small management companies, MAMAMOO barely received any attention from the public when they first debuted.
However, thanks to the powerful vocals of the 4 members, along with the unique music style, the group quickly became famous and had its own place in the K-pop map. Currently, even though it has been 8 years of operation, the group still maintains its reputation.
Despite being “golden gooses” for management companies for a long time, some groups, such as GFRIEND, are nevertheless unfairly treated and pushed to disband. Many groups and idols, on the other hand, continue to grow their careers and remain with their management business for a long time after becoming renowned.
