YG Entertainment
Encyclopedia
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk
and based in Seoul
, South Korea
. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop
music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk. Its current roster of recording artists include Big Bang, 2NE1
, Seven
, Psy, Tablo
and Gummy
.
The label is one of the "big three" record companies of Korea along with S.M. Entertainment
and JYP Entertainment
because of strong market share and international operations. Records release through YG Entertainment's distributor, Mnet Media
. Avex Entertainment and YG Entertainment have recently formed a new project in Japan called YGEX.
, a former member of Seo Taiji and Boys, founded YG Entertainment. The first group to debut on the label was Keep Six, with their only album Six in tha Chamber released in May the same year. Jinusean
was the next artist to debut on the label and was the first to achieve mainstream success. Group 1TYM
followed along with CEO Yang Hyun Suk's album release. 1TYM and Jinusean are often credited with bringing hip hop to the mainstream Korean audience. In 1999, the company's artists created a collaboration album under the name YG Family.
The label soon released albums by artists Perry, Swi.T, Wheesung
, and a second YG Family collaboration in the following years. In 2003, Big Mama debuted as the first group famed for their voices as opposed to appearance. Seven
debuted after, along with Lexy
and Gummy
. In 2005, the YG Underground label was created and grew to contain the artists 45RPM and Stony Skunk. In addition, Se7en began to go abroad to sell records in Japan in a joint effort between YG Entertainment and Nexstar Records. Big Bang debuted in 2006 and was the company's first idol group.
Big Bang skyrocketed in popularity from the time of their debut to the release of their second Korean album, Remember
. 2008 was also marked by new releases from Gummy and Uhm Jung Hwa. In 2009, 2NE1
debuted and also quickly became one of the K-pop
industry leaders. Big Bang branched out into Japan during this time and released their first Japanese language album, Big Bang
. G-Dragon
, leader of Big Bang, released his solo album in Korea and it became the highest selling album of 2009.
Psy
, an already renowned rap artist, signed onto the label in 2010 and released the album Psy Five. In addition, the company applied to the stock exchange but was rejected. It is suspected that the reason was because YG Entertainment had too few music groups and an unstable cash flow, despite increasing earnings in Korea and Japan in 2009.YG Entertainment passed the Stock Exchange Commission’s screening to go public on the KOSDAQ. The stock price is anticipated to be set around 24,600~28,800 WON (around $22 – $26 USD with a face value of 500 WON). Around 35 billion won (around $33 million USD) will be up for trade on the initial public offering.
On September 27 2011, YG Entertainment announced that Tablo
from Epik High
signed an exclusive 4-year contract with them.
Starting in 2005, YG expanded into the foreign market. Se7en is the first YG artist to expand into the rest of Asia. YG has partnerships with Nexstar Records, a Nippon Columbia label, to manage Japanese releases for Se7en. Universal Music Japan
manage Big Bang's Japanese activities, and Avex Group manage 2NE1's Japanese records. YG Entertainment releases its Korean albums under 21 East Entertainment in China
, GMM International
in Thailand
, and Universal Records
in the Philippines
.
In 2011, YG Entertainment partnered up with S.M. Entertainment
, JYP Entertainment
, KeyEast, AMENT and Star J Entertainment to create United Asia Management in an effort to promote Korean pop music internationally.
, JYP
, Star Empire
, and other companies. KMP is the official distributor of releases from these companies. KMP stands for Korean Music Power.
141,000. They surpassed it the following year with USD$160,000. Of the total, USD$87,000 were towards a scholarship for Holt Children’s Services while USD$69,000 were towards children with rare diseases. YG Family have also directly delivered USD$4,400 worth of charcoal to families in need during the winter time. The company has also announced that it would be donating around USD$500,000 for disaster relief to Japan after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
.
Yang Hyun Suk
Yang Hyun-Seok is a South Korean singer, most notably a member of Seo Taiji & Boys. He is also the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of YG Entertainment.- Seo Taiji & Boys :...
and based in Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk. Its current roster of recording artists include Big Bang, 2NE1
2NE1
Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
, Seven
Seven (South Korean singer)
Choi Dong-wook , better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korean singer from YG Entertainment. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.-2003: Debut:...
, Psy, Tablo
Tablo
Daniel Armand Lee, whose Korean name is Lee Seon-Woong , is more commonly known by his stage name Tablo . He is a hip hop musician, rap artist, songwriter and lyricist. He is best known as the rapper and leader of the South Korean hip hop group Epik High...
and Gummy
Gummy (singer)
Park Ji Yeon , better known by her stage name Gummy , is a South Korean recording artist under YG Entertainment.-2003-2009: Debut and Breakthrough Success:...
.
The label is one of the "big three" record companies of Korea along with S.M. Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea...
and JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
because of strong market share and international operations. Records release through YG Entertainment's distributor, Mnet Media
Mnet Media
Mnet Media is a South Korean entertainment company under the label CJ Group, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It produces, broadcasts, distributes and provides variety of music and entertainment. Once the home to top-selling groups such as Lee Hyori and SG Wannabe...
. Avex Entertainment and YG Entertainment have recently formed a new project in Japan called YGEX.
History
In March 1996, Yang Hyun SukYang Hyun Suk
Yang Hyun-Seok is a South Korean singer, most notably a member of Seo Taiji & Boys. He is also the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of YG Entertainment.- Seo Taiji & Boys :...
, a former member of Seo Taiji and Boys, founded YG Entertainment. The first group to debut on the label was Keep Six, with their only album Six in tha Chamber released in May the same year. Jinusean
Jinusean
Jinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
was the next artist to debut on the label and was the first to achieve mainstream success. Group 1TYM
1TYM
1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
followed along with CEO Yang Hyun Suk's album release. 1TYM and Jinusean are often credited with bringing hip hop to the mainstream Korean audience. In 1999, the company's artists created a collaboration album under the name YG Family.
The label soon released albums by artists Perry, Swi.T, Wheesung
Wheesung
-EPs:*2006: Against All Odds*2008: 스마일 프로젝트 Vol.2 'Love Seat*2009: 휘성 with D.O*2009: Insomnia*2010: Realslow Is Back*2010: Winter Night*2011: Words That Freeze My Heart-OSTs:*2006: 중천의 기억*2009: 우리집에 왜 왔니...
, and a second YG Family collaboration in the following years. In 2003, Big Mama debuted as the first group famed for their voices as opposed to appearance. Seven
Seven (South Korean singer)
Choi Dong-wook , better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korean singer from YG Entertainment. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.-2003: Debut:...
debuted after, along with Lexy
Lexy (singer)
Hwang Hyo-sook , know by the stage name Lexy , is a Korean female soloist who debuted in 2003 under the management, YG Entertainment...
and Gummy
Gummy (singer)
Park Ji Yeon , better known by her stage name Gummy , is a South Korean recording artist under YG Entertainment.-2003-2009: Debut and Breakthrough Success:...
. In 2005, the YG Underground label was created and grew to contain the artists 45RPM and Stony Skunk. In addition, Se7en began to go abroad to sell records in Japan in a joint effort between YG Entertainment and Nexstar Records. Big Bang debuted in 2006 and was the company's first idol group.
Big Bang skyrocketed in popularity from the time of their debut to the release of their second Korean album, Remember
Remember (Big Bang album)
- External links :* *...
. 2008 was also marked by new releases from Gummy and Uhm Jung Hwa. In 2009, 2NE1
2NE1
Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
debuted and also quickly became one of the K-pop
K-pop
K-pop is a musical genre consisting of electropop, hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B music originating in South Korea...
industry leaders. Big Bang branched out into Japan during this time and released their first Japanese language album, Big Bang
Big Bang (Big Bang album)
Big Bang is the second studio Japanese album by South Korean boy band, Big Bang and was released on August 19, 2009.- Production :Production of the album started from the release of the group's first Japanese single, My Heaven on June 2009...
. G-Dragon
G-Dragon
Aside from Big Bang, G-Dragon also made several solo appearances. After helping produce Taeyang's debut album, he recorded his own version of the album's lead single "Only Look At Me" , titled as the part two version to the song. The single was released digitally...
, leader of Big Bang, released his solo album in Korea and it became the highest selling album of 2009.
Psy
Psy
Psy may mean:*Something to do with psychology*A commonly used term for psychedelic trance , a sub-genre of modern electronic dance music*Something to do with psionics...
, an already renowned rap artist, signed onto the label in 2010 and released the album Psy Five. In addition, the company applied to the stock exchange but was rejected. It is suspected that the reason was because YG Entertainment had too few music groups and an unstable cash flow, despite increasing earnings in Korea and Japan in 2009.YG Entertainment passed the Stock Exchange Commission’s screening to go public on the KOSDAQ. The stock price is anticipated to be set around 24,600~28,800 WON (around $22 – $26 USD with a face value of 500 WON). Around 35 billion won (around $33 million USD) will be up for trade on the initial public offering.
On September 27 2011, YG Entertainment announced that Tablo
Tablo
Daniel Armand Lee, whose Korean name is Lee Seon-Woong , is more commonly known by his stage name Tablo . He is a hip hop musician, rap artist, songwriter and lyricist. He is best known as the rapper and leader of the South Korean hip hop group Epik High...
from Epik High
Epik High
Epik High is a South Korean indie hip hop group from Seoul, South Korea. The group is composed of Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz...
signed an exclusive 4-year contract with them.
Partnership
Domestically, YG has had partnerships with M-Boat Entertainment and EunGun Entertainment, Yamazone Music, and Booda Sound. After the contracts for Big Mama and Soul Star ended, EunGun and M-Boat have ended their activities with YG Entertainment.Starting in 2005, YG expanded into the foreign market. Se7en is the first YG artist to expand into the rest of Asia. YG has partnerships with Nexstar Records, a Nippon Columbia label, to manage Japanese releases for Se7en. Universal Music Japan
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
manage Big Bang's Japanese activities, and Avex Group manage 2NE1's Japanese records. YG Entertainment releases its Korean albums under 21 East Entertainment in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, GMM International
GMM Grammy
GMM Grammy Public Company Limited is the largest media conglomerate entertainment company in Thailand. It claims a 70% share of the Thai entertainment industry. Artists on Grammy include Bird McIntyre and Loso...
in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, and Universal Records
Universal Records (Philippines)
Universal Records Philippines Inc. is a Filipino record label founded in 1977 as a part of Warner Music Group. Since 1992, it became independent.-History:URPI was founded in 1977 as WEA Records Philippines Inc...
in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.
In 2011, YG Entertainment partnered up with S.M. Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea...
, JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
, KeyEast, AMENT and Star J Entertainment to create United Asia Management in an effort to promote Korean pop music internationally.
KMP Holdings
Last March 2010, KMP Holdings was established via a joint venture between YG, S.M.S.M. Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea...
, JYP
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
, Star Empire
Star Empire Entertainment
Star Empire Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company. Star Empire specializes in producing R&B and hip-hop music. Its current roster includes Jewelry, V.O.S, ZE:A, Nine Muses, Poppin' Hyun Joon, and actor Julien Kang.-Company:...
, and other companies. KMP is the official distributor of releases from these companies. KMP stands for Korean Music Power.
United Asia Management
SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, KeyEast, AMENT and Star J Entertainment will be joining forces to create a huge Asian management agency named ‘United Asia Management‘! This joint investment corporate body was created in an effort to develop an industry that will push ‘Hallyu’ to ‘Asianlyu’. United Asia Management aims to pioneer a global market, and all artists under the six agencies will be under a database system that manages intellectual property rights. A new contents production system will be utilized as well for movies, dramas, and other media. UAM will also be acting as the global agency for artists planning to advance, or currently promoting, overseas. UAM will be officially established as of April 2011.YGEX
YGEX was established as a partnership between Avex Group and YG Entertainment for the promotion and release of YG artists' materials in Japan. Current artists under YGEX include all active YG Entertainment artists. YGEX operates as a joint-label venture between the two companies.Initial Public Offering
YG is seeking as much as 35.9 billion won ($31 million), less than the 39.9 billion won it had earlier sought as Big Bang played to full stadiums in Japan and fans flocked to female quartet 2NE1, which is also managed by the company. But because of G-Dragon's marijuana usage, one of the artists of the boy band Big Bang, YG has decided to reduce it's IPO size stating it as a risk to their operation.Philanthropy
YG Entertainment is heavily involved in charity work, creating their community service campaign WITH. They donate 100 won for every album sold, 1% of all merchandise sales, and 1,000 won for every concert ticket to charities. In 2009, they raised USD$United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
141,000. They surpassed it the following year with USD$160,000. Of the total, USD$87,000 were towards a scholarship for Holt Children’s Services while USD$69,000 were towards children with rare diseases. YG Family have also directly delivered USD$4,400 worth of charcoal to families in need during the winter time. The company has also announced that it would be donating around USD$500,000 for disaster relief to Japan after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
.
Recording artists
- 1TYM1TYM1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
- 2NE12NE1Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
- Big Bang
- E.knock
- GummyGummy (singer)Park Ji Yeon , better known by her stage name Gummy , is a South Korean recording artist under YG Entertainment.-2003-2009: Debut and Breakthrough Success:...
- JinuseanJinuseanJinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
- Masta Wu
- PerryPerryPerry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears. Perry has been common for centuries in Britain, particularly in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and in parts of south Wales; and France, especially Normandy and Anjou.In more recent years, commercial...
- PSY
- SevenSeven (South Korean singer)Choi Dong-wook , better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korean singer from YG Entertainment. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.-2003: Debut:...
- TabloTabloDaniel Armand Lee, whose Korean name is Lee Seon-Woong , is more commonly known by his stage name Tablo . He is a hip hop musician, rap artist, songwriter and lyricist. He is best known as the rapper and leader of the South Korean hip hop group Epik High...
- TeddyTeddy ParkPark Hong-jun , better known as Teddy Park or just Teddy, is a Korean-American rapper and record producer. Born in South Korea, Park moved to the United States as a young child. There, he learned English. After moving back to South Korea, he majored in English at Myongji University.Teddy Park...
- Yang Hyun SukYang Hyun SukYang Hyun-Seok is a South Korean singer, most notably a member of Seo Taiji & Boys. He is also the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of YG Entertainment.- Seo Taiji & Boys :...
- YG Family
Producers
- Perry
- TeddyTeddy ParkPark Hong-jun , better known as Teddy Park or just Teddy, is a Korean-American rapper and record producer. Born in South Korea, Park moved to the United States as a young child. There, he learned English. After moving back to South Korea, he majored in English at Myongji University.Teddy Park...
- E.knock (aka Kush of Stony Skunk)
- Rina Moon
- Choice37
- Choi Pilkang (PK)
- DEE.P
- Bigtone
- Lydia Paek (member of Quest CrewQuest CrewQuest Crew is an American hip-hop dance crew from Los Angeles, California who were declared winners of the third season of America's Best Dance Crew...
)
Actors
- Jung Hye YoungJung Hye YoungJung Hye-young is a South Korean actress.- Personal life :She married Sean Noh, a member of YG Entertainment's hiphop duo: Jinusean and has a two daughters and two sons.- Dramas :*Teacher, 1993*You are so Nice, 1995...
- Ku Hye Sun
- Kang Hye Jung
- Sandara ParkSandara ParkPark Sandara , better known as Dara , is a South Korean idol singer, actress, television host and model. She is best known as being a member and the Director of Communications of the Korean girl group 2NE1. However, she first gained major popularity on ABS-CBN's Star Circle Quest during her stay in...
(Dara of 2NE1) - Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P. of Big Bang)
- Kang DaesungDaesungKang Daesung is a member of K-Pop group Big Bang. Daesung was born in Itaewon, South Korea and attended high school but he dropped out and focused more on Big Bang. Then in late 2008, he focused on college entrance exams. He attended Kyunghee University in Seoul...
(Daesung of Big Bang) - Lee Seung HyunSeungri- External links :* *...
(Seungri of Big Bang) - Yoo In-naYoo In-naYoo In Na is a South Korean actress under YG Entertainment, and winner of the Best New Actress award for her role in Secret Garden, at the 47th Paeksang Arts Awards in 2011.-Career:...
Former
- 45RPM
- Big MamaBig Mama (group)Big Mama is a South Korean female singing group from M Boat, a former sister company of YG Entertainment.-Career:Known for their powerful voices rather than appearances, they attracted a lot of attention because of their vocal talent and of their refusal to conform to the typical Korean female...
- Heo Yi Jae
- Ji-eun
- LexyLexy (singer)Hwang Hyo-sook , know by the stage name Lexy , is a Korean female soloist who debuted in 2003 under the management, YG Entertainment...
- Park Han-byul
- Soul Star
- Stony Skunk
- Swi.T
- XO
- YMGA
- WheesungWheesung-EPs:*2006: Against All Odds*2008: 스마일 프로젝트 Vol.2 'Love Seat*2009: 휘성 with D.O*2009: Insomnia*2010: Realslow Is Back*2010: Winter Night*2011: Words That Freeze My Heart-OSTs:*2006: 중천의 기억*2009: 우리집에 왜 왔니...
- Brave Brothers
- Jang Hyunseung (of B2ST)
Dancers
- Crazy Girls Dance Team: Kim Ji Hye, Yun Hee Jin, Yun Hee So, Bock Mi Ran, Won A Yeon, Kim Min Jung, Oh Hye Ryeon
- Hi-Tech Dance Team : Kwon Yong Deuk, Kwon Yong Don (Kwon Twins), Park Jung Heon, Seo Ki Chul, Jo Sung Min, Kim Byung Gon, Kwon Cheol Jun, Kim Kwang Won, Kim Hee Yun, Hansol Lee, Song Won Ki
YG Family Concerts and Tours
- One Concert 2003 (South Korea)
- Color of the Soul Train (South Korea)
- One Concert 2004 (South Korea)
- Thank U Concert 2005 (South Korea)
- One Concert 2005 (South Korea)
- 10th Anniversary World Tour 2006 (South Korea, Japan, and U.S.)
- One Concert 2007 (South Korea)
- Concert 2010 (South Korea)