Did you catch the Grammy announcements this year? If not, no worries—you didn’t miss much. The same cycle of winners, the same predictable patterns. It’s almost as if the awards have been running on autopilot for decades. Every year, especially among K-pop fans, the same question arises: Why do we keep expecting the Grammys to recognize non-American or non-English-speaking artists? After all, isn’t it an American award? It’s a fair point. Think of the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)—do they typically hand out trophies to foreign acts? Not really. So why do international artists even dream of winning a Grammy?
When it comes to K-pop, every successful group has a distinct concept. While some fans argue that newer girl groups are starting to look too similar, the reality is that great K-pop branding requires meticulous planning. So, how do entertainment companies decide on a group’s identity, and what makes one group different from another?
MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) have long been considered a major event in the music industry, but over the years, their credibility has been questioned. Why? Because the selection process often prioritizes popularity, controversy, and engagement over true artistry.
The world of K-pop has been taking the globe by storm, and TikTok has undoubtedly played a huge role in giving the genre even more attention. But here’s the truth: TikTok, as much as it’s currently dominating, is not the future of K-pop. Let’s break it down.
Published February 10, 2025
YG Entertainment: The Rise and Fall of a K-pop Empire
It’s no secret that YG Entertainment has been a dominant force in the K-pop industry, but in recent years, it seems like the company has been facing a few hurdles. From the closure of its actress management division to the shutdown of various other business ventures, it’s clear that YG is going through a rough patch. Let’s take a deeper dive into the company’s recent challenges and what the future might hold.
The Rise and Fall of YG’s Side Ventures
YG Entertainment has always been known for thinking outside the box. Back in 2017, they ventured into the food industry, launching restaurants and cafes not just in Korea, but around the world.
They even built a massive K-pop theme park in Jeju Island, complete with rides and a museum showcasing G-Dragon’s art. This location, which was blessed by G-Dragon himself before his military enlistment, aimed to become the “Disneyland of K-pop,” with a vision of creating a high-end entertainment experience.
This picture taken on Aug. 8, 2017, shows a theme park in Jeju Shinhwa World under development in Jeju Island. (Yonhap)
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. By 2018, the food business started to struggle, with a deficit of 3.2 billion KRW in its first year. The scandal involving former BIGBANG member Seungri didn’t help matters, and the losses continued. Despite an ambitious expansion, the business began to close its locations, including the last one in Malaysia. It was a tough pill to swallow for YG, as they’d hoped to position themselves as the “Nike of Southeast Asia” in the sports industry with their golf business. However, this venture also struggled financially, and by 2023, it was shut down too.
YG’s Struggles with Entertainment
While YG is best known for its hit-making abilities in music, their foray into TV production also had its ups and downs. The production company Studioplex produced some notable hits, such as Mr. Queen, a historical drama that garnered high viewership, but also some flops like The Exorcist that was cancelled after only two episodes
By 2021, YG’s revenue took a significant dive, dropping by about 95% by 2023, and with a debt-to-equity ratio of 800%, the company had no choice but to close Studioplex.
Now, the latest move from YG is the closure of their actress management division. This change doesn’t mean they’re firing their actors; rather, they’ll let current contracts run out without renewals. This leaves YG with only a few active groups—BLACKPINK, Baby Monster, and Treasure—while WINNER is largely inactive.
YG Entertainment officially shuts down its acting management branch to concentrate on its core strength—music. Stars like Yoon In-na, Yoo Seung-ho, and Lee Sung-kyung, once under YG's acting division, mark the end of this chapter in the agency's history.
The Blackpink Dilemma
As YG’s most successful group to date, BLACKPINK’s future is crucial to the company’s survival. However, with the members starting to focus on their individual careers, there’s growing uncertainty about the group’s future together. Rosie, who has already launched a successful solo album, could likely continue her career on her own, but the other members may need more time to establish their solo personas. If BLACKPINK members can’t fill arenas on their own, YG might have to reconsider their plans for a group comeback.
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BLACKPINK's ROSÉ has released her first full-length solo album, 'Rosie,' featuring 12 tracks that showcase her unique musical style. The album includes collaborations with artists like Bruno Mars on the track 'APT.' and explores various genres, offering fans a deeper insight into her artistry.
BLACKPINK's ROSÉ has released her first full-length solo album, 'Rosie,' featuring 12 tracks that showcase her unique musical style. The album includes collaborations with artists like Bruno Mars on the track 'APT.' and explores various genres, offering fans a deeper insight into her artistry.
YG has a history of making bold moves, and only time will tell if they can turn things around. For now, fans can only hope that their favorite groups—whether BLACKPINK or the new talents emerging—continue to shine, even if the company that brought them to the world is facing turbulent waters.
In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, companies like YG must constantly adapt to stay relevant. While the company’s attempts to diversify have faltered, it’s not all doom and gloom. The talent is still there, and with the right strategy, YG could make a comeback. Let’s hope they find a way to turn the page and enter a new era of K-pop innovation!