This photo, provided by Hybe Insight, shows the music museum in central Seoul dedicated to Hybe’s fans and artists.
SEOUL, May 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s leading K-pop talent agencies, which are leading the golden age of the K-pop, are moving to new buildings in Gangbuk, the area north of the Han River.
Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS which was previously based in Samseong-dong in southern Seoul, moved to Yongsan District in March.
SM Entertainment is also set to move from Apgujeong-dong to Seongsu-dong in eastern Seoul next month.
JYP Entertainment, which was located in Cheongdam-dong in Seoul, moved to Seongdong District in 2018.
YG Entertainment, originally located in Gangbuk, built a new building next to its original building in Hapjeong-dong, western Seoul, and moved to the new building last year.
In the past, major entertainment agencies were clustered in Gangnam, an affluent neighborhood in southern Seoul filled with posh luxury stores and home to the country’s cutting-edge fashion, since it was more convenient for them to operate there.
In addition to entertainment companies, a variety of famous beauty salons, clothing shops, advertising agencies and production companies were clustered in Gangnam.
However, since K-pop agencies have grown into gigantic businesses themselves, the geographic merits of the Gangnam area have become meaningless.
Most famous artists have more performances overseas than in the domestic market. In addition, agencies started to directly hire fashion stylists, makeup artists and fitness trainers long ago.
Against this backdrop, they no longer have to stay in Gangnam where land and rental prices are high. In other words, Gangbuk has become a new strongpoint for K-pop.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
