Several prominent South Korean actors have recently ventured into the business side of entertainment, setting up their own agencies. This ambitious move grants them increased creative control and independence and showcases their entrepreneurial acumen.

Here are some of these actors who founded their own entertainment companies:

1. Lee Byung-hun : BH Entertainment

Renowned actor Lee Byung-hun founded BH Entertainment in 2006, creating a platform for emerging talent as well as providing opportunities for established actors. The agency has expanded into overseas markets by working with Sony Pictures and Hakuhodo.

2. Bae Yong-Joon : KEYEAST Entertainment

Bae Yong-Joon, widely known for his iconic role in the hit drama "Winter Sonata," established KeyEast Entertainment in 1996 as Tuneboom Korea. In 2006, the company changed its name to the current one. In March 2018, the agency was acquired by SM Entertainment.

3. Lee Je Hoon : COMPANY ON

Lee Je-hoon, known for his roles in ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Move to Heaven,’ ‘Signal,’ etc., launched a one-man management company named COMPANY ON in 2021. In an interview he stated, "If I go to another company and we don't share the same objective or have the same heart, then that becomes a reason to find another company. I'm going to do this work for the rest of my life so I started the management company despite lacking some ability to run a company. I started the management agency with the heart that I will be improving slowly."

4. Lee Jung-Jae and Jung Woo-sung : Artist Company

One of the most successful actors, Lee Jung-Jae, owns several businesses with his friend Jung Woo-sung, who is also a veteran actor. Together, they founded the entertainment agency Artist Company in May 2016. Both of them are directors of the company.

5. Hyun Bin : VAST Entertainment

Hyun Bin, known for his roles in dramas like "Crash Landing on You" and "Secret Garden," founded VAST Entertainment in 2016. The agency has grown rapidly and represents a wide range of artists, including actors, musicians, and models. In 2019, the label was acquired by Kakao M.

6. Lee Jong-suk : A-MAN Project

South Korean star Lee Jong-suk established his own entertainment company, A-MAN Project, in 2018. The label initially partnered with his former agency, YNK Entertainment, but later got separated. In 2019, he resigned from the position of executive director.

7. So Ji-sub : 51K

Veteran South Korean actor So Ji-sub, who started his career as a model, set up his one-man agency, 51K, in 2011 with no intention of recruiting other actors. But years later, the company is home to 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon and Cha Hak Yeon, among others.

8. Lee Seung-gi : Human Made

Popular South Korean star Lee Seung-gi is one of the highest-paid South Korean celebrities. On June 1, 2021, it was announced that he had established a one-man production company, Human Made, for his future activities. Prior to this, he was an artist under Hook Entertainment.

By taking on agency ownership, these actors are not only exercising greater control over their careers but also actively contributing to the growth and development of the industry as a whole.