As K-Pop enters the 1st quarter of 2022, industry experts have analyzed entertainment revenues earned by the 'Big 4' agencies in the 4th and final quarter of 2021, as well as projected yearly revenues, predictions for 2022, and more. 

1. HYBE Labels

In the 4th quarter of 2021, HYBE Labels recorded a sales of 402.4 billion KRW (~ 334.5 million USD), plus an operating profit of 72.3 billion KRW (~ 60.1 million USD). This signals the company's highest quarterly sales in 2021, with album sales by Seventeen and ENHYPEN reaching 4.77 million copies in the 4th quarter. With this, HYBE Labels is projected to hit the 1 trillion club in yearly profits for 2021. Industry experts also noted the company's increasing efforts to "rely less on BTS" in 2021, through artists like Seventeen, TOMORROW x TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, and more.

In the first half of 2022, BTS will be resuming activities with 'Permission To Dance on Stage - Seoul' in March, also attending the '64th Annual Grammy Awards' in April. HYBE Labels also previews the launch of Weverse 2.0 in the first half of 2022, as well as entry into the NFT market, plus more. 

2. SM Entertainment

In the 4th quarter of 2021, SM Entertainment's projected sales amounts to 192.7 billion KRW (~ 160.2 million USD), with projected operating profits amounting to 18.4 billion KRW (~ 15.3 million USD). Throughout the 4th quarter, artists including NCT 127, aespa, Kai, and Super Junior D&E contributed to over 4 million copies in album sales, and artists including NCT 127 and aespa swept multiple awards at year-end ceremonies. 

In 2022, SM Entertainment is expected to expand its business ventures in new areas, such as the Metaverse, NFTs, and more. 

3. YG Entertainment 

In the 4th quarter of 2021, YG Entertainment recorded a sales of 77.2 billion KRW (~ 64.2 million USD), and an operating profit of 6.4 billion KRW (~ 5.3 million USD). Some industry insiders label YGE's 4th quarter scores as an "Earning Shock", due to the lack of impact shown by artists like Song Min Ho and Kang Seung Yoon. 

YG Entertainment is projected to kick off 2022 fresh with comeback by TREASURE, BLACKPINK, and WINNER, also looking to launch the company's brand new rookie girl group in the second half. 

4. JYP Entertainment

In the 4th quarter of 2021, JYP Entertainment's sales amounted to 58.4 billion KRW (~ 48.5 million USD). The company's operating profits amounted to 14.5 million KRW (~ 12.1 million USD). Throughout 2021, boy group Stray Kids established itself as JYP Entertainment's best-selling artists, while girl groups like TWICE and ITZY demonstrated steady popularity both in Korea and Japan. 

In 2022, rookie artists including Xdinary Heroes, NMIXX, and the debut team members of the SBS audition program 'Loud' are projected to bring in fresh revenues for JYP Entertainment.