How “entertainment giants” HYBE, SM, YG, and JYP changed the Kpop industry

By kpoppo on August 19, 2023

The Evolution of K-pop: From the "Big 3" to HYBE

The K-pop industry has experienced significant transformations over the years, with the emergence of HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment) marking a global shift. For decades, three major companies, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment, collectively known as the "Big 3," dominated the South Korean idol industry. These companies played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, revolutionizing recruitment and training methods, and expanding into international markets.

During the late 1990s to the 2010s, the Big 3 companies laid the foundation for K-pop's success. They paved the way for numerous top-tier K-pop groups to make their debut, such as TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, aespa, and many more. These groups became household names and contributed to the global popularity of K-pop.

However, breaking into the US market proved to be a significant challenge for K-pop artists. Despite JYP Entertainment's efforts, they struggled to achieve remarkable results. It was not until HYBE introduced BTS that a breakthrough occurred. BTS's meteoric rise to the top of the Billboard charts propelled HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) to surpass the Big 3 in the highly competitive US market. This marked a new chapter in K-pop history and solidified BTS's status as global superstars.

SM Entertainment: Shaping the Foundations of K-pop

SM Entertainment, established in 1995 by Lee Soo Man, is often referred to as the "father of modern K-pop." The company's innovative approach to music production, incorporating elements of electronic dance and hip-hop, set them apart. SM Entertainment's first explosive success came with the debut of the boy group H.O.T in the late 1990s. While there were notable artists before H.O.T, it was through this group that SM Entertainment significantly shaped the K-pop industry.

Over the years, SM Entertainment continued to produce successful groups like TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, EXO, and aespa. These groups showcased SM's commitment to pushing boundaries and experimenting with different musical styles, captivating audiences worldwide.

YG Entertainment: Unique Artistry and Stylistic Music

YG Entertainment, founded by Yang Hyun Suk, took a distinct approach compared to its competitors. Yang Hyun Suk, a former member of the legendary K-pop group Seo Taiji and Boys, brought his experience and unique vision to YG Entertainment. Instead of focusing on debuting a large number of artists and hiring various producers, YG dedicated attention to nurturing talents in-house. This allowed their artists to develop distinct musical styles and artistic identities.

The introduction of YG's first male group, BIGBANG, revolutionized the K-pop scene. BIGBANG's fusion of hip-hop and captivating performances attracted a new generation of K-pop fans. Following their success, YG Entertainment continued to cultivate a unique identity in the K-pop ecosystem with artists like 2NE1, BLACKPINK, Winner, iKON, TREASURE, and the upcoming BABYMONSTER.

JYP Entertainment: Strong Aspirations Overseas and Sensational Domestic Recognition

JYP Entertainment, founded by Park Jin Young in 1997, quickly gained recognition for its strong aspirations to expand overseas. While initially focusing on the domestic market, JYP Entertainment soon made waves internationally. Park Jin Young's strategic approach and emphasis on producing high-quality music and performances propelled JYP Entertainment to new heights.

Notable groups under JYP Entertainment include Wonder Girls, 2PM, Miss A, GOT7, TWICE, and ITZY. These groups garnered immense popularity both in South Korea and abroad, solidifying JYP Entertainment's position as one of the leading K-pop companies.

In conclusion, the "Big 3" companies, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment, played a crucial role in shaping the K-pop industry. Their innovative approaches to music production, unique artist development strategies, and expansion into international markets paved the way for the global success of K-pop. With the emergence of HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) and the groundbreaking achievements of BTS, the landscape of K-pop continues to evolve, captivating audiences worldwide.

Source: KBIZoom