K-pop idols build huge global careers with their performances, but many of them also build impressive empires outside music. Over the past decade, the industry changed rapidly. Idols now step into leadership roles, create independent companies, launch fashion labels, run cafés, build liquor brands, invest in tech, and even open restaurants. Their business moves show creativity, ambition, and a strong desire for independence.

In 2025, more idols run successful businesses than ever before. Many launch new ventures after leaving their original entertainment agencies, while others build their brands during active idol careers. This detailed guide explores 10 of the most influential K-pop idols who built thriving businesses, along with their latest developments and strategic moves.

This article tells the complete story of each idol’s entrepreneurial journey, their motivations, their impact, and the trends their ventures represent.

1. G-Dragon (BigBang): The Idol Who Built a Cultural Empire

G-Dragon stands at the top when we talk about idols who influence not just music but also culture, fashion, and business. He earned a reputation as a trendsetter for nearly two decades. He consistently leads the shift from idol to entrepreneur.

G-Dragon founded Galaxy Corp, a company that manages his creative activities under his legal name Kwon Ji-yong. In 2025, Galaxy Corp began preparing to open a branch in India, marking one of the first major expansions of a Korean idol-owned company into the Indian entertainment and cultural market. This move shows his ambition to build a global empire that goes far beyond music.

He also created Monsant Café on Jeju Island, a stylish hotspot famous for its architecture and atmosphere. He later stepped into high-end fashion collaborations, art projects, jewelry partnerships, and lifestyle ventures that shaped Korea’s fashion identity.

G-Dragon’s entrepreneurial style focuses on innovation. He studies trends carefully and merges creativity with business. His ventures and brand identity always reflect his artistic personality. Fans and the general public follow his taste and lifestyle, which strengthens every business move he makes. Among all K-pop idols, no one influences fashion and business culture the way he does.

2. Lisa (BLACKPINK): The Global Star Who Built Her Own Management Company

Lisa grew into one of the biggest global figures in the K-pop world, and she used that momentum to step into entrepreneurship. In early 2024, she launched Lloud Co., a management label that controls her solo activities. Lloud Co. handles her music projects, endorsements, acting ventures, and global schedules.

This move changed the dynamic of K-pop management. Lisa now runs her personal brand and career with full freedom. She communicates with fashion houses, entertainment projects, and international partners through her company. Lloud Co. also reflects her desire to bring Thai, Korean, and global cultures together in new creative ways.

Lisa’s business strength grows through luxury endorsements, dance content production, acting roles, and brand-direction opportunities. She consistently uses her influence to expand her reach across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Her entrepreneurial journey shows how idols can take leadership over their careers without depending only on big entertainment agencies.

3. Jennie (BLACKPINK): The Idol-Turned-CEO of Odd Atelier

Jennie made a bold move when she launched Odd Atelier, also known as OA. The company focuses on producing unique creative work, managing her solo activities, and shaping her personal brand. In 2025, Jennie expanded her company further by entering a co-management agreement with ALTA Music Group, a strategic decision that gives her broader international reach.

Odd Atelier reflects Jennie’s taste, artistic identity, and vision for a creative lifestyle brand. Her journey shows a strong understanding of the entertainment industry. She studies branding deeply and brings her personality into every project. Many young Korean artists admire her ability to build a company that expresses her individuality.

Jennie also collaborates with high-fashion brands frequently, and these collaborations strengthen the image and market value of Odd Atelier. She uses fashion, music, and film to extend her business and influence. Few idols blend entrepreneurship and creativity as naturally as she does.

4. Jisoo (BLACKPINK): The Founder of Blissoo and a Growing Business Powerhouse

Jisoo established Blissoo in early 2024 to manage her solo ventures. The company focuses on music, acting, content production, and brand partnerships. Blissoo carries her personality clearly. It reflects elegance, artistic charm, and thoughtful storytelling.

Jisoo’s move to launch Blissoo shows her desire to control her creative direction. She now guides her acting roles, promotions, and global partnerships independently. Her influence in the fashion industry continues to grow, and she uses Blissoo to build stronger relationships with luxury brands.

Her activities in 2024 and 2025 demonstrate how idols can manage both acting careers and business leadership. She plans her activities carefully, and she expands her business through strategic collaborations. Blissoo continues to grow as one of the strongest idol-owned labels in Korea.

5. Hyomin (T-ara): The Idol Who Built a Beauty, Fashion, and Liquor Business

Hyomin stands out as one of the most versatile idol-entrepreneurs. She launched multiple successful ventures across beauty, fashion, and food and beverage.

She introduced the MINITT makeup brand in 2019, which gained a strong loyal fanbase for its stylish packaging and trendy colors. In 2021, she launched the clothing brand SAY NO MORE, which attracted attention for its bold designs and fashion-forward concepts.

In late 2023, Hyomin expanded her entrepreneurial journey again by launching HyominSour, her own liquor brand created with Brewguru. The brand reached impressive sales milestones in early 2024, strengthening her reputation as a business-focused public figure.

Hyomin’s business portfolio shows her creativity. She tests markets bravely and moves into new industries without hesitation. She studies consumer behavior, aesthetics, and brand-building strategies deeply. Her diversified ventures prove that idols can build long-lasting brands that attract global attention.

6. IU: The Independent Artist Who Built Wealth Through Smart Investments

IU does not run a separate entertainment company like some idols, but she stands as one of the most financially successful and strategic artist-entrepreneurs in South Korea. Reports in 2025 highlight her as one of the wealthiest Korean singer-investors due to her high earnings, business decisions, and long-term investment strategies.

IU invests carefully in real estate, production projects, and philanthropy-driven ventures. She also negotiates her roles, endorsements, and partnerships strategically. Her business style focuses on sustainability, talent development, and financial stability.

Many Koreans admire IU’s ability to rise from difficult circumstances and build a secure, diversified financial foundation. Although she does not promote her business activities loudly, she builds a powerful career structure that combines entertainment and entrepreneurship.

7. Jin (BTS): The Idol Who Entered the Restaurant Industry

Jin stepped into business early with his Japanese-style restaurant Ossu Seiromushi. He opened the restaurant before his military enlistment and built a stable customer base quickly. Fans, locals, and tourists visit the restaurant frequently because they trust Jin’s taste and brand value.

Jin’s business journey reflects a different path from idols who launch fashion or entertainment companies. He entered the food and beverage sector instead, which requires skill, consistency, and management. He helped develop the menu, refine the restaurant’s concept, and shape the customer experience.

His decision to invest in a restaurant shows his interest in long-term business stability. Food service brings steady revenue when managed properly, and Jin understands that well. His entrepreneurial success encourages many idols to explore restaurant ventures alongside music careers.

8. Rain: The Veteran Idol Who Built His Own Entertainment Company

Rain started his entrepreneurial journey long before idol-owned companies became common. He founded RAIN Company, previously called RAIN & RAIN. His company manages artists, produces content, and handles entertainment-related business.

Rain built his company with the mindset of a performer who understands the industry from within. He uses his experience as a dancer, singer, actor, and producer to guide the company’s direction. Many younger idols look up to Rain because he took control of his career during a time when most idols depended entirely on agencies.

Rain’s business moves show confidence, leadership, and creativity. He constantly studies new ideas and adapts to the changing entertainment landscape. His company represents the early generation of idol entrepreneurship.

9. Lee Min-woo (Shinhwa): A Pioneer of Idol-Owned Agencies

Lee Min-woo stands as one of the earliest idols who turned into an entertainment company founder. In 2007, he launched M Rising Entertainment, and later co-founded Shinhwa Company with other Shinhwa members. They used their company to manage their group activities independently.

His business journey demonstrates strong group solidarity and independence. Shinhwa faced many legal and management challenges throughout their long career, but they handled every issue with determination. Their decision to run their own company instead of relying on major agencies inspired many younger idols.

Lee Min-woo’s entrepreneurial path represents resilience. He continues to guide new artists, participate in Shinhwa’s activities, and maintain a long-standing presence in the entertainment world.

10. Kim Jong-kook: The Idol Who Manages His Own Company and Expands Strategically

Kim Jong-kook runs Turbo JK Company, which he founded in 2012. He manages his entertainment activities, variety shows, and brand through his company. In September 2025, he shifted management direction by signing with Galaxy Corp while still serving as the CEO of Turbo JK Company.

This strategic move shows flexibility. He maintains control of his company while joining forces with another idol-owned enterprise. Kim Jong-kook’s business decisions reflect his understanding of the entertainment industry’s evolution. He adapts quickly, collaborates wisely, and builds strong partnerships.

Business Trends K-Pop Idols Are Creating

1. Idols use their influence to build personal brands.

Idols now understand their value. They use their fanbases and global recognition to build standalone companies that express their identities.

2. They seek independence from major agencies.

Many idols launch their own labels and management companies to control their schedules, creative choices, and income.

3. They diversify into new industries.

Idols now enter beauty, fashion, alcohol, gaming, real estate, restaurants, and tech.

4. Global expansion grows rapidly.

G-Dragon’s India expansion and BLACKPINK members’ global management strategies show rising global ambition.

5. The “idol CEO” era now defines modern K-pop.

Idols no longer serve only as performers. They lead companies, create brands, and make long-term investments.

Conclusion

These 10 idols transformed K-pop by stepping into business boldly and effectively. They built companies, launched brands, expanded globally, and created financial independence. Their entrepreneurial success represents a major cultural shift in the Korean entertainment industry. K-pop idols now combine talent, creativity, and leadership to build powerful business empires that will continue to grow for many years.

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