Countless K-pop idols have left their labels after their contracts ended and went on to sign with other labels that better suit their needs as artists. However, there are only a handful of idols who would actually take the initiative to start their very own label or company, mainly because they want more creative freedom in their projects.
For this list, we’re going to focus on K-pop idols who started their own brand in recent years. Whether it’s a talent agency, a cosmetic company or a fashion brand, these singers definitely showed everyone who’s boss.
1. Jennie (김제니) (BLACKPINK) – ODD ATELIER (OA)
After it was announced that members of BLACKPINK will not be renewing their contracts with YG Entertainment as solo artists, fans have been wondering if the girls will sign with another agency for their solo career or start their own company. Jennie did the latter as she announced last year that she has established her own agency called ODD ATELIER (OA), making her the first of her members to become a founder of a company.
Although she hasn’t released any new music from her own label just yet, the singer promised fans that she has full creative freedom over the solo activities and is looking forward to sharing what she’s been cooking up with them when the time comes.
2. Lisa (리사) (BLACKPINK) – LLOUD
The main dancer became the second member of BLACKPINK to establish her own company. As you already know, the idol released her first solo song under the label titled “ROCKSTAR” in June, which became an instant hit and received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both fans and critics.
The teaser became the most-viewed music video teaser by a K-pop act on YouTube while the music video itself reached over 4 million views in just two hours after it was released!
3. Jisoo (김지수) (BLACKPINK) – BLISSOO
Following the footsteps of her other 2 fellow members, Jisoo announced earlier this year that she has started her own label. The label’s name, Blissoo, is a wordplay on the word ‘Bliss’ and her name. “I’m excited to share my new start with Blissoo. Stay tuned for what’s to come, as I’m dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to each and every one of you,” the idol wrote in the company’s first Instagram post.
4. D.O (디오) (EXO) – Company Soosoo
After being under SM Entertainment for more than a decade, EXO’s D.O, Doh Kyung-soo, decided it was time to depart from the company for his solo activities and start his very own. Company Soosoo was founded in November 2023 and will exclusively handle the idol’s solo project while SM will oversee his group activities with EXO. As of right now, there are no plans to sign another artist under the new agency.
5. Baekhyun (변백현)(EXO) – INB100
Baekhyun followed in his member’s footsteps and set up his own company shortly after leaving SM Entertainment as a soloist. His label, INB100, not only manages his solo activities but as well as the EXO sub-unit EXO-CBX’s activities. However, the sub-unit group, which features members Xiumin and Chen, have yet to release any new music under the new agency, possibly due to the ongoing legal case against their former label.
6. Jaejoong (김재중)(Former TVXQ) – iNKODE
Jaejoong has been in the entertainment business for a very long time. With his knowledge and experiences, it’s only natural for him to start his own company. After departing from his group TVXQ, the singer was previously signed to C-JeS Entertainment before creating his own label iNKODE. Unlike his peers, he will only serve as the producer for newer idols under his label. Noh Hyun-tae, the former vice president of Cube Entertainment, is the CEO.
7. Rocky (라키)(Former ASTRO) – ONE FINE DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Rocky debuted with ASTRO in 2016 under Fantagio and has contributed as a songwriter and composer for some of the group’s songs like “No I Don’t” and “Our Spring”. The singer decided to not renew his contract with the label and left the group in 2023. He then set up his own agency named ONE FINE DAY ENTERTAINMENT and has since served as the CEO. The idol released his latest EP titled “ROCKYST” under his own company.
8. Kino (키노)(PENTAGON) – NAKED
Just like the rest of the idols on this list, Kino from PENTAGON opened up his own company after departing from CUBE Entertainment as a solo artist. The singer established his agency NAKED last year in 2023 to further pursue a full-fledged solo career. If you’re asking why he named the agency as it is, the idol never really clarified but he did post the slogan in the official announcement post on social media – “No one will ever be as entertained by us as us.”
