A financial analysis of South Korea's top entertainment agencies shows revenue figures for 2025 driven by major K-Pop acts. SM Entertainment posted gains while HYBE ranked second despite overall leadership changes.
According to an analysis by CEO Score of the top 30 entertainment agencies, SM Entertainment recorded approximately $595 million USD in revenue for 2025, up 22.6 percent from the prior year. The growth stemmed largely from aespa and NCT through expanded world tours and merchandise sales.
HYBE posted approximately $750 million USD, placing second overall. BigHit Music contributed about $320 million USD with BTS as the primary driver, marking a 24.7 percent increase. PLEDIS Entertainment added approximately $211 million USD via SEVENTEEN and TWS, though it experienced the largest decline due to reduced activity from military service and investments in rookies.
JYP Entertainment earned approximately $500 million USD, powered by TWICE and Stray Kids global tours and merchandise. YG Entertainment reached approximately $248 million USD, a 71.3 percent rise, fueled mainly by BLACKPINK's world tour along with BABYMONSTER and TREASURE activities.
Starship Entertainment generated approximately $127 million USD for Kakao through IVE and MONSTA X. BELIFT LAB contributed approximately $113 million USD to HYBE via ENHYPEN and ILLIT.
