YG Entertainment officially celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 20, marking three decades as one of the most influential agencies in K-pop history.
Founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, YG became known for its distinct hip-hop identity and trendsetting music style that helped reshape the Korean music industry.
The company first gained attention through pioneering hip-hop acts such as Jinusean and 1TYM, who played a major role in popularizing Korean hip-hop in the late 1990s.
YG later expanded its influence with powerhouse vocalists including Gummy, the late Wheesung, and Se7en.
The agency’s second-generation idols elevated YG to global prominence.
BIGBANG became one of K-pop’s most influential boy groups through experimental music and numerous hit songs that reshaped the industry’s standards.
Meanwhile, 2NE1 introduced a bold “girl crush” image that attracted fans worldwide and helped expand the global reach of K-pop.
YG’s artist roster later expanded with successful groups including WINNER, iKON, sibling duo AKMU, and global superstars BLACKPINK.
Over the past 30 years, YG’s hip-hop-driven identity and strong music IP have become major forces in the global entertainment market.
YG is now preparing one of its busiest years yet with large-scale projects scheduled throughout the second half of 2026.
Rookie girl group BABYMONSTER is expected to play a major role in the company’s future expansion.
The group recently topped YouTube’s global music video chart with their latest release “CHOOM,” further proving their growing international popularity.
Following the success, BABYMONSTER is preparing for a major world tour spanning 27 concerts across 18 cities worldwide.
The large-scale tour is considered unusually ambitious for such a young group and is expected to further strengthen their status as rising global stars.
Boy group TREASURE is also preparing to intensify YG’s activities this year.
Known for their energetic hip-hop sound and strong member participation in production, TREASURE has steadily built a loyal international fanbase.
The group is scheduled to return in June with the mini album NEW WAV, which is expected to showcase a more mature and powerful musical style.
YG additionally teased the launch of a brand-new boy group, which has already become a hot topic among K-pop fans.
According to reports, the upcoming team will inherit YG’s signature hip-hop DNA while introducing a fresh approach tailored to next-generation global music trends.
The biggest highlight for many fans is undoubtedly the return of BIGBANG.
The legendary group recently reunited with YG ahead of their 20th debut anniversary, sparking enormous excitement both domestically and internationally.
Beginning in August, BIGBANG is expected to launch a large-scale global tour commemorating the milestone anniversary and reconnect with fans worldwide.
From BABYMONSTER’s expanding world tour and TREASURE’s comeback to the debut of a new boy group and BIGBANG’s long-awaited return, YG Entertainment appears ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary with one of the company’s most ambitious years to date.
Sources: Daum | JTBC
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