YG Entertainment

South Korea • SeoulFounded 1996

YG Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, headquartered in Mapo, Seoul. It is one of the 'Big Four' K-pop agencies alongside HYBE, SM, and JYP. Its roster includes BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER, and AKMU. YG is known for its hip-hop influenced K-pop sound and its emphasis on artist individuality and self-production.

Contact & HQ

Headquarters

Mapo, Seoul, South Korea

Ownership & Distribution

Label Type

Independent Label Group

Parent Company

Independently owned (publicly traded)

Distribution

Universal Music Group (various territories), Dreamus (Korea), in-house

Additional Details

Genres

K-PopHip-HopPopR&B

Signing Process

YG Entertainment runs its own A&R and artist development system. Auditions are held globally through the YG Online Audition system. YG is known for its hip-hop influenced sound and its emphasis on artist individuality and self-production. The trainee system involves multi-year training before debut.

Demo Policy

YG accepts applications through its global online audition system. Visit the YG audition page for details.

Notable Artists

BLACKPINK
BIGBANG
TREASURE
BABYMONSTER
AKMU
WINNER

Sub-Labels / Imprints

THEBLACKLABELYGX

YG Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, headquartered in Mapo, Seoul. It is one of the "Big Four" K-pop agencies alongside HYBE, SM Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. YG's roster includes BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER, AKMU, and WINNER. YG is known for its hip-hop influenced K-pop sound and its emphasis on artist individuality and self-production. THEBLACKLABEL, a subsidiary founded by producer Teddy Park, operates semi-independently within the YG ecosystem.

YG built its reputation on hip-hop influenced K-pop, starting with Jinusean and 1TYM in the late 1990s. The label's breakthrough came with BIGBANG, who became one of the best-selling K-pop groups of all time. BLACKPINK's global success in the late 2010s and 2020s made YG a dominant force in global K-pop, with the group headlining Coachella and breaking streaming records worldwide. BABYMONSTER, YG's newest girl group, represents the next generation of YG's roster. In April 2026, YG joined HYBE, SM, and JYP in announcing plans for a joint venture to develop "Fanomenon," a large-scale K-pop festival debuting in 2027.

How YG Operates

YG Entertainment runs its own A&R and artist development system from its Mapo headquarters. The company is known for its hip-hop influenced sound, its emphasis on artist individuality, and its willingness to let artists participate in production. THEBLACKLABEL, founded by producer Teddy Park (who produced many BLACKPINK hits), operates as a semi-independent subsidiary. Distribution flows through Universal Music Group in various territories and Dreamus in Korea. YG's 2026 annual report was published in March 2026.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you aspire to a K-pop career with a hip-hop influenced sound, YG Entertainment is the most hip-hop oriented of the Big Four agencies. Its track record with BLACKPINK and BIGBANG shows it can develop global superstars. Its emphasis on artist individuality and self-production may appeal to artists who want creative input.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

Trainee system: YG uses the K-pop trainee system, which involves multi-year training contracts before debut.
Competitive auditions: YG's auditions are extremely competitive.
Group focus: YG primarily debuts groups rather than solo artists.
Management changes: YG has experienced leadership changes and corporate governance issues. Founder Yang Hyun-suk has had legal issues.

Notable Artists and Releases

YG Entertainment has produced some of the most globally successful K-pop acts. Below are 8 notable releases with chart data.

BLACKPINK - "Born Pink" (YG/Interscope, 2022)

BLACKPINK's second studio album, released September 16, 2022 on YG Entertainment and Interscope Records. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 with 102,000 equivalent album units. It was the first album by a female K-pop act to top the Billboard 200. The album also reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart, a first for a K-pop girl group. The lead single "Pink Venom" reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

BLACKPINK - "The Album" (YG/Interscope, 2020)

BLACKPINK's first studio album, released October 2, 2020 on YG Entertainment and Interscope Records. It debuted at #2 on the US Billboard 200 with 110,000 equivalent album units. It was the highest-charting album by a female K-pop act at the time. The single "How You Like That" set a YouTube record for the most-viewed music video in 24 hours (86.3 million views). The album has been certified Gold by the RIAA.

BIGBANG - "Made" (YG, 2016)

BIGBANG's third studio album, released December 12, 2016 on YG Entertainment. The album compiled singles released throughout 2015 including "Bang Bang Bang" and "Losers." "Bang Bang Bang" won Song of the Year at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards. BIGBANG has sold over 150 million records across physical and digital formats, making them one of the best-selling K-pop groups of all time.

BABYMONSTER - "BABYMONS7ER" (YG, 2024)

BABYMONSTER's first mini album, released April 1, 2024 on YG Entertainment. The lead single "SHEESH" surpassed 100 million views on YouTube within 10 days of release. The mini album sold over 400,000 copies in its first week in Korea. BABYMONSTER is YG's newest girl group, debuting with seven members including Ahyeon, who returned after a health-related absence.

TREASURE - "The First Step: Treasure Effect" (YG, 2021)

TREASURE's first studio album, released January 11, 2021 on YG Entertainment. The album compiled singles from TREASURE's debut trilogy series. TREASURE debuted in August 2020 with 12 members. The album sold over 200,000 copies in Korea. TREASURE member Choi Hyun Suk co-wrote the music and lyrics for BABYMONSTER's "SHEESH."

AKMU - "Next Episode" (YG, 2021)

AKMU's third mini album, released July 26, 2021 on YG Entertainment. The sibling duo of Akdong Musician (Chanhyuk and Suhyun) won K-pop Star 2 in 2012 and signed with YG. The album peaked at #1 on the Gaon Album Chart in Korea. AKMU is known for their folk-pop sound, which contrasts with YG's typical hip-hop orientation.

WINNER - "EVERYD4Y" (YG, 2018)

WINNER's second studio album, released April 4, 2018 on YG Entertainment. The album's lead single "Everyday" peaked at #1 on Korean music charts. WINNER debuted in 2014 after winning the reality show "WIN: Who Is Next." The group has sold over 1 million records across physical and digital formats.

BLACKPINK - "Kill This Love" (YG/Interscope, 2019)

BLACKPINK's second mini album, released April 5, 2019 on YG Entertainment and Interscope Records. It peaked at #24 on the US Billboard 200. The lead single "Kill This Love" reached #41 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video set a YouTube record at the time with 56.7 million views in 24 hours. BLACKPINK headlined Coachella in 2019 and 2023, the first K-pop act to do so.

Deal Structures

YG Entertainment operates a trainee-based system similar to other K-pop agencies. Deal types include:

Trainee contracts: Selected audition applicants sign trainee contracts. YG covers training costs for multi-year periods. Trainees receive vocal, dance, and performance training. The contract term typically runs 3 to 7 years including post-debut activities.
Exclusive artist contracts: After debut, artists sign exclusive contracts with YG. The contract covers music production, distribution, marketing, and management. YG manages all group activities including concerts, merchandise, and brand endorsements.
Revenue sharing: Artist revenue splits typically favor the label during the initial contract term. Standard splits range from 50/50 to 70/30 (label/artist) depending on seniority and contract terms. BLACKPINK members renewed their contracts with YG in 2023 for group activities, though individual contracts were negotiated separately.
Distribution through UMG: YG uses Universal Music Group (Interscope) for distribution in various territories and Dreamus in Korea. BLACKPINK's releases through Interscope gave them global distribution and US radio promotion.
Subsidiary deals: THEBLACKLABEL, founded by producer Teddy Park, operates as a semi-independent subsidiary within the YG ecosystem. THEBLACKLABEL artists (including Zion.T and Somi) are managed separately from YG's main roster.

How Artists Get Signed

YG Entertainment signs artists primarily through its global audition system. The process works as follows:

Online auditions: YG accepts applications through its global online audition system. Applicants submit videos of singing, dancing, rapping, or modeling. The system is open year-round and accessible worldwide.
In-person auditions: YG holds periodic in-person auditions in Korea and internationally. These are announced on the YG audition website and social media.
Trainee selection: Selected applicants become trainees. The trainee period lasts 2 to 5 years on average. YG's training emphasizes hip-hop dance, vocal technique, and self-production skills.
Debut evaluation: Trainees are evaluated periodically. YG selects members for new groups based on skill, individuality, and group chemistry. BABYMONSTER's debut was documented through a reality show, giving fans visibility into the selection process.
Emphasis on individuality: YG is known for prioritizing artist individuality and self-production. Artists who can write, compose, or produce their own music have an advantage. BIGBANG's G-Dragon and TREASURE's Choi Hyun Suk are examples of YG artists who participate in production.
Group focus: YG primarily debuts groups rather than solo artists. Solo releases from group members (like Jennie's "Solo") occur within the group contract framework.