Actors Kim Hee-ae, left, and Cha Seung-won / Newsis
A-list stars including Kim Hee-ae and Cha Seung-won to leave YG
By Pyo Kyung-min
Korean entertainment giant YG announced Friday that it is ending its actor management business to refocus on its music division. The label said its actors would leave the agency gradually, as their contracts expire.
In a press release, YG explained that the move was part of a broader restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. “To focus on our core business, music, we are reorganizing our business structure and ending stakeholder management,” the company said.
YG’s talent roster currently includes renowned actors such as Kim Hee-ae, Cha Seung-won, Jang Hyun-sung, Yoo In-na, Jung Hye-young, Claudia Kim, Lee Sung-kyoung, Jang Ki-yong , Lee Soo-hyuk, Han Seung-yeon and Son Na-eun. Among them, Yoo Seung-ho, whose contract ends in March, is currently the only actor whose departure is confirmed on a specific date.
Reports indicate that YG began scaling back its stakeholder management division in 2024. The company reportedly held one-on-one meetings with its stakeholders to explain the decision, outline future business plans, and seek their understanding.
The actors will not leave the agency en masse following this announcement. Instead, they will fulfill their current contracts and exit in stages, ensuring a smooth transition.
“We sincerely thank all the actors who have been with us and the fans who have shown us unwavering support,” YG said in their statement. “We will do everything we can to provide the necessary support until the end.”
Founded by executive producer Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment has scaled back its non-entertainment businesses in recent years, including operations in cosmetics, catering, sports and drama production.
In 2022, YG dissolved its food subsidiary, YG Foods. The following year, it sold YG Sports, a golf service provider, and relinquished management control of Studio Plex in 2024, selling a 60% stake in the drama production company. Additionally, the agency closed its dance management and academy businesses under the YGX label.