YG Entertainment Spreads Its Wings Again… ‘YANG HYUN SUK Power’ Turns a Profit with ₩9.5 Billion in Operating Income
[OSEN=강서정 기자] Boss YANG did it.
YG Entertainment has successfully turned its deficit around, and at the heart of this transformation is the power of YG EXECUTIVE PRODUCER YANG HYUN SUK.
After officially returning as executive producer in 2023, YANG HYUN SUK quickly steered YG Entertainment in a new direction at a pivotal moment. By returning to the core of the music business and focusing on cultivating talent-driven artists and enhancing content quality, the company not only reestablished its presence in the entertainment industry but also achieved tangible financial improvement.
In Q1 2025, YG Entertainment recorded consolidated revenue of ₩100.2 billion and operating profit of ₩9.5 billion. This performance clearly reflects the successful growth of younger IPs like TREASURE and BABYMONSTER, into which the company has strategically invested since last year.
The most notable change is the rapid ascent of rookie girl group BABYMONSTER. As YANG HYUN SUK’s first project since his return, BABYMONSTER has firmly established itself as “the future of YG” just one year after their official debut in April last year. Despite being in their debut year, the group has surpassed 1.6 million in cumulative album sales and made a remarkable entry into the U.S. Billboard 200 main chart.
BABYMONSTER, recognized for both their music and live performance skills, achieved a rare feat by climbing back up domestic charts like Melon TOP100, earning them the title “monster rookies.” Notably, all members are capable of rapping, and their flawless a cappella performances are being praised as driving the resurgence of talent-first girl groups in the K-pop scene.
This success extends beyond the debut of a new group. BABYMONSTER’s explosive growth has had a direct impact on YG Entertainment’s revenue model. Increased content sales and expansion of global promotions have become key contributors in returning the company to profitability.
Above all, the core of this turnaround lies in YANG HYUN SUK’s sharp “selection and concentration” strategy. His experience in launching legendary acts like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK, and his keen musical instincts, are clearly reflected in BABYMONSTER. The group’s significance is even greater as they are YG’s first girl group in seven years since BLACKPINK.
Adding to their uniqueness, BABYMONSTER is the first YG girl group directed not by producer TEDDY, but by YANG HYUN SUK himself. While carrying on YG’s signature hip-hop-based sound, BABYMONSTER also introduces a fresh layer of style, positioning themselves as a new icon where YG’s “authenticity” and “evolution” coexist.
Currently, BABYMONSTER is actively promoting globally, including a North American tour. They’ve garnered praise for their outstanding live performances on major U.S. shows like NBC’s “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” This is a prime example of content competitiveness creating a virtuous cycle that leads to tangible profits.
In the second half of the year, YG plans to roll out a new BLACKPINK tour, as well as new album releases and tours for TREASURE and BABYMONSTER. The company also intends to quickly respond to recent shifts in the Chinese market, aiming for continued growth.
With YANG HYUN SUK’s return and YG Entertainment’s renewed focus on artist-driven excellence, the company is solidifying its status once again as a K-pop powerhouse. The successive success of BABYMONSTER, expansion of global content, and the rebuilding of an artist-centered system are sounding the signal for YG’s next 10 years.
2025. 5. 9.
