Complete List of South Korean Record Labels: K-Pop Music Companies & Entertainment Agencies
Here's a comprehensive list of major South Korean record labels, divided into different categories for easier reference:
Major Entertainment Companies:
• SM Entertainment - Home to artists like EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT • JYP Entertainment - Notable artists include TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY • YG Entertainment - Houses BLACKPINK, TREASURE, and WINNER • HYBE Labels (formerly Big Hit) - Manages BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans
Mid-Sized Entertainment Companies:
• Cube Entertainment - Features (G)I-DLE and LIGHTSUM • FNC Entertainment - Home to SF9 and P1Harmony • Starship Entertainment - Houses IVE and MONSTA X • Jellyfish Entertainment - Notable artists include VERIVERY • RBW Entertainment - Manages MAMAMOO and PURPLE KISS • WM Entertainment - Home to OH MY GIRL and ONF
Smaller but Notable Labels:
• Pledis Entertainment (HYBE subsidiary) - Houses NU'EST and fromis_9 • Source Music (HYBE subsidiary) - Manages LE SSERAFIM • KOZ Entertainment - Home to Zico • AOMG - Founded by Jay Park, features artists like Lee Hi • H1GHR MUSIC - Joint Korean-American label with artists like pH-1 • P NATION - Founded by PSY, houses HyunA and Jessi
Independent Labels:
• Brand New Music - Features AB6IX and BDC • Antenna Music - Home to Sam Kim and Lee Jin Ah • Magic Strawberry Sound - Houses indie artists like 10cm • Mystic Story - Notable artists include Lim Kim • Stone Music Entertainment - Various project groups and solo artists
Hip-Hop/R&B Focused Labels:
• Feel Ghood Music - Founded by Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae • Ambition Musik - Features artists like Hash Swan • Million Market - Home to CHAI and other R&B artists • Show Me The Money Labels - Various labels formed from the TV show
I've listed these labels based on their current market presence and artist roster. The Korean music industry is dynamic, with new labels emerging and existing ones merging or changing frequently. Each label specializes in different genres and artist development approaches, contributing to the diverse K-pop and Korean music landscape.
This list includes the most significant players in the Korean music industry, though there are many more smaller labels operating throughout the country. These companies range from full-service entertainment agencies to specialized music production houses, each playing a crucial role in shaping South Korea's music scene.