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YG Entertainment
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YG Entertainment

YG Entertainment (와이지 엔터테인먼트) is one of South Korea's Big Four entertainment companies, founded in March 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk and his brother Yang Min-suk. Yang Hyun-suk had been a member of Seo Taiji and Boys, the group credited with transforming Korean pop music in the early 1990s by introducing hip-hop, rock, and electronic production into a market that had been dominated by trot and ballad forms. When Seo Taiji and Boys disbanded in 1996, he channeled that background directly into YG's founding philosophy. The label's first act was the hip-hop trio Keep Six, and that hip-hop DNA has run through every generation of YG artists since. YG's early roster built its reputation through acts including Jinusean, Gummy, Wheesung, and 1TYM. Sechs Kies launched in 1997, followed by a long succession of acts that kept the label relevant across generational shifts in K-pop. Epik High joined in 2012, and PSY's "Gangnam Style" became a global phenomenon in the same year. BIGBANG debuted in 2006 under YG and became one of the most commercially successful K-pop acts in history. 2NE1 followed in 2009. AKMU, the sibling duo, signed after winning a competition program. BLACKPINK, debuted in 2016, became the label's commercial peak: four members who individually and collectively broke streaming records, commanded global stadium tours, and secured luxury brand partnerships at a scale no K-pop act had previously reached. The group renewed their YG group contract in 2023 while members pursued individual deals elsewhere. Yang Hyun-suk resigned as head of content in 2019 following controversy, and his brother Yang Min-suk stepped back from operations as well. Hwang Bo-kyung was appointed CEO in 2020 and has overseen the label's current structure. YG's active roster in 2026 includes BLACKPINK, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER, and WINNER. The label operates YGEX in Japan and holds equity stakes in subsidiaries including THE BLACK LABEL.
26 articles9 artistsygfamily.com

Fans Also Ask

Who founded YG Entertainment?
YG Entertainment was founded in March 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, a former member of the iconic group Seo Taiji and Boys. His brother Yang Min-suk co-founded the company. Yang Hyun-suk stepped back from active leadership in 2019 following controversy, and CEO Hwang Bo-kyung has overseen operations since 2020.
Who are the current artists under YG Entertainment?
YG Entertainment's active roster includes BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER, TREASURE, AKMU, and WINNER, along with solo acts such as Taeyang and G-Dragon. The label also operates The Black Label subsidiary, home to artists including Teddy and Rosé under her solo activities.
What is YG Entertainment known for?
YG Entertainment is one of South Korea's Big Four entertainment companies, recognized for pioneering hip-hop and R&B-influenced production in K-pop. The label launched BLACKPINK into becoming the most-followed music group on YouTube globally, and has produced acts like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and Psy.
Is BLACKPINK still with YG Entertainment?
Yes. All four BLACKPINK members (Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa) renewed their group activities contract with YG Entertainment in 2023, allowing the group to continue releasing music together while pursuing individual label deals for solo work. As of 2026, the group remains signed for collective activities.
Is BIGBANG going on a world tour in 2026?
Yes. YG Entertainment confirmed a BIGBANG world tour in 2026 to celebrate the group's 20th anniversary, with three members performing: G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. BIGBANG will also headline Coachella in April 2026, fulfilling the invitation originally extended in 2020 that was cancelled due to COVID-19.
What is YG Entertainment's plan for 2026?
YG's 30th anniversary year includes a BIGBANG world tour, continued BABYMONSTER promotions, and BLACKPINK's 10th anniversary. The label also announced a 2026 YG Special Audition to develop the next generation of artists. YG operates YGEX in Japan and holds equity in The Black Label and other subsidiaries.

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