As the KOSPI crossed the historic 5,000-point threshold , idol-focused entertainment companies have emerged as one of the strongest drivers of the rally. Once viewed as highly volatile due to idol comeback schedules or military enlistments, entertainment stocks are now being reassessed as long-term growth assets built around idol platforms and systems.
At the center of this transformation are idol fandom platforms. Services such as HYBE’s Weverse and DearU’s Bubble have evolved far beyond fan communication tools, becoming core revenue engines powered by idol-fan relationships. These platforms generate stable income through subscriptions, allowing fans to interact with idols and consume exclusive content year-round.
Even when physical album sales temporarily decline, the number of paid subscribers and ARPU (average revenue per user) on idol platforms continues to trend upward. Unlike the past, when revenue depended heavily on idols actively promoting, today’s structure allows idol fandoms to generate revenue continuously through digital engagement.
The role of idols in the global market has also changed. Rather than simply exporting Korean idol groups overseas, entertainment companies are now exporting the K-pop idol training and production system itself.
Major securities firms, including Hanwha Investment & Securities and Daol Investment & Securities, have highlighted the success of localized idol groups such as HYBE’s KATSEYE and JYP Entertainment’s VCHA. These groups consist of local members trained under the Korean idol system, proving that K-pop is no longer limited to Korean idols or Asian audiences.
Analysts note that training and producing idols using the K-pop system enables companies to enter mainstream markets in North America and Europe, dramatically expanding their total addressable market (TAM). This shift positions idol-focused companies not just as content producers, but as global system exporters.
With idol platforms generating recurring revenue and idol systems fueling global expansion, entertainment stocks have secured their place as one of the most promising growth sectors in the KOSPI 5,000 era, marking a decisive shift from short-term, idol-dependent volatility to sustainable, fandom-driven growth.
Sources: Sport Seoul