BTS, BLACKPINK, and more made an appearance.
Koreaboo
A new report has revealed which K-Pop groups generated the most revenue for South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies in 2025.
According to an analysis by CEO Score of the top 30 entertainment agencies registered in the country’s Popular Culture and Arts Information System, HYBE was no longer the highest-earning entertainment company in 2025.
The report also broke down the agencies behind those results, showing which artists contributed the most to each company’s earnings.
HYBE Dethroned By Rival Company As Highest Earner In South Korea
SM Entertainment recorded approximately $595 million USD in revenue, up 22.6% from the previous year. The increase was largely driven by aespa and NCT, whose expanded world tours and strong official merchandise sales boosted the company’s earnings.
Starship Entertainment also played a major role in Kakao’s performance. Thanks to IVE and MONSTA X, the agency generated approximately $127 million USD in revenue during the year.
HYBE ranked second overall after posting approximately $750 million USD in revenue.
BigHit Music was the company’s biggest contributor, bringing in approximately $320 million USD. The agency’s biggest artist, BTS, remained its top revenue driver, helping BigHit Music record a 24.7% increase compared to the previous year.
PLEDIS Entertainment followed with approximately $211 million USD in revenue, led by SEVENTEEN and rookie group TWS. However, the agency also saw the biggest revenue decline among the major entertainment companies. The report said the drop was linked to reduced activity as several SEVENTEEN members began their military service, as well as increased investment in TWS.
BELIFT LAB also added to HYBE’s earnings, recording approximately $113 million USD through the activities of ENHYPEN and ILLIT.
JYP Entertainment placed third with approximately $500 million USD in revenue.
The company’s performance was largely driven by TWICE and Stray Kids, whose global tours and official merchandise sales continued to bring in strong earnings throughout the year.
YG Entertainment ranked fourth, with approximately $248 million USD in revenue, a 71.3% increase from 2024.
BLACKPINK’s world tour was cited as the primary driver of the company’s growth, while BABYMONSTER and TREASURE also contributed through their album releases and concert activities.