A groundbreaking new report has just dropped, sending ripples across the K-Pop industry! For years, we’ve seen certain giants dominate the revenue charts, but 2025 brought some truly surprising shifts. Fans are buzzing to know which of their beloved groups are driving the success of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies.
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. This revelation alone is enough to get everyone talking!
The report also broke down the agencies behind those results, showing which artists contributed the most to each company’s earnings. Get ready to dive into the numbers and celebrate the phenomenal success of your favorite idols!
SM Entertainment: The New Frontrunner!
In a stunning turn of events, SM Entertainment has claimed the top spot! The iconic agency recorded approximately $595 million USD in revenue, boasting an impressive 22.6% increase from the previous year. This remarkable surge was largely driven by the undeniable global power of aespa and NCT. Their expanded world tours captivated fans across continents, while robust official merchandise sales added significant boosts to the company’s earnings, proving the immense loyalty and purchasing power of their fandoms.
Kakao’s entertainment ventures also saw impressive figures, with the parent company registering approximately $783 million USD in revenue for 2025. This strong performance solidified its position as a major player in the K-Pop landscape, supported by a diverse portfolio of agencies and artists.
Starship Entertainment also played a major role in Kakao’s performance. Thanks to the phenomenal success of IVE and the continued strength of MONSTA X, the agency generated approximately $127 million USD in revenue during the year. Their consistent output of hit music and engaging content clearly resonated with fans worldwide.
HYBE Takes Second, Still a Powerhouse
Despite being dethroned from the top spot, HYBE still demonstrated immense strength, ranking second overall after posting approximately $750 million USD in revenue. This powerhouse company continues to be a dominant force, thanks to its strategic structure and incredibly popular artists.
BigHit Music was the company’s biggest contributor, bringing in approximately $320 million USD. Unsurprisingly, the agency’s biggest artist, BTS, remained its top revenue driver, helping BigHit Music record a significant 24.7% increase compared to the previous year. Even with individual member activities, the global impact of BTS is simply unparalleled.
PLEDIS Entertainment followed with approximately $211 million USD in revenue, led by the incredible SEVENTEEN and the promising 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, a common challenge in K-Pop, as well as increased investment in the burgeoning TWS. This strategic move shows PLEDIS is looking to the future while navigating current transitions.
BELIFT LAB also added to HYBE’s earnings, recording approximately $113 million USD through the dynamic activities of ENHYPEN and the exciting debut and promotions of ILLIT. Both groups are rapidly expanding their global fanbases and contributing significantly to HYBE’s diversified portfolio.
JYP Entertainment: Consistent Global Success
JYP Entertainment placed third with approximately $500 million USD in revenue, showcasing their consistent ability to produce global hitmakers. The company’s performance was largely driven by the unwavering popularity of TWICE and the worldwide phenomenon that is Stray Kids. Their massive global tours and highly sought-after official merchandise sales continued to bring in strong earnings throughout the year, cementing their status as international fan favorites.
YG Entertainment: Massive Growth Driven by Global Idols
YG Entertainment ranked fourth, with approximately $248 million USD in revenue, marking an incredible 71.3% increase from 2024! This substantial growth is a testament to the enduring power and strategic comeback of its top artists.
BLACKPINK’s world tour was cited as the primary driver of the company’s growth, captivating millions of Blinks worldwide. Meanwhile, the exciting new generation with BABYMONSTER and the consistent output from TREASURE also contributed significantly through their successful album releases and concert activities. YG’s strong roster continues to make waves globally.
