Ever wondered who truly pulls the strings, creates the trends, and electrifies our screens in K-Content? And who holds the keys to the next big Hallyu wave? A brand-new industry survey has the answers, and the results are electrifying. Get ready to meet the powerful figures in the Korean entertainment industry who defined 2025.
2025 Powerful People in the Korean Entertainment Industry
Joynews24’s 21st-anniversary poll reveals the industry’s most influential. 110 insiders named their picks for 2025’s top movers and shakers. Unsurprisingly, K-pop stars lead the way.
J.Y. Park (11 votes)
Can you imagine building an empire from just a microphone? That’s Park Jin-young’s story. He’s not only a legendary artist; he’s the mastermind behind JYP Entertainment, the label behind stars like TWICE and Stray Kids. His rise from performer to CEO is truly inspiring.
Recently, he took on a new role as co-chair of the Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange. It’s incredible to see a pop culture icon influencing Korea’s cultural diplomacy.
At a state dinner for the Korea-China summit earlier this month, he even met with President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They discussed the possibility of Korean artists performing in Beijing. This could open the door to cultural exchanges with China after years of tension. Park Jin-young is making history and paving the way for the future of Hallyu. His 11 votes show just how respected he is in the industry.
BTS (11 votes)
BTS members have finally completed their military service, and excitement is high. This isn’t just a reunion; it’s a significant moment for fans worldwide.
People in the industry are buzzing. They see the potential for BTS as a full group, and the energy is contagious. Next spring, the seven-member group is set for a big return that’s already making waves in the stock market.
Reports indicate a massive 65-show world tour, expected to bring in over 1.2 trillion won, or about $900 million. This isn’t just about music; it’s proof of their incredible global influence. The world can’t wait to see what BTS will do next. Their impact is real, and it’s felt everywhere.
G-Dragon (11 votes)
G-Dragon from BIGBANG is an iconic figure in the Korean music industry. In 2025, he released his first full-length album after 11 years, “Übermensch,” and embarked on a solo world tour.
This year, he was appointed as the honorary ambassador for APEC 2025. He received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit from the Republic of Korea for his impact on Korean pop culture and Hallyu.
IU (7 votes)
In 2025, IU won hearts around the world with her music and acting. Her world tour, “The Winning,” brought her closer to her fans. Her role in the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” impressed many viewers. She received seven votes for her talent and popularity.
Rosé, Jennie, Teddy, Lee Chae-min, Byeon Woo-seok (4 votes)
What a year for Rosé! She hit the Billboard Hot 100 and snagged Grammy nominations with her hit song “APT” featuring Bruno Mars. Jennie created a trend with her hit track “Like Jennie,” and fans loved it. Teddy from The Black Label created some awesome soundtracks, including one for “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Lee Chae Min became popular for her role in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” and Byeon Wooseok stole hearts in “Lovely Runner.” Each of these talented artists received four votes for their fantastic work.
Yoo Jae-suk, BLACKPINK, YoonA (4 votes)
Several Korean stars got three votes each. Yoo Jae-suk, or “Yoo-Neunim,” is a favorite variety show host in Korea. BLACKPINK has taken the world by storm with their music. YoonA also received three votes for her fantastic role in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.” She truly shines as a leading actress.
Studio Slam CEO Yoon Hyun-jun, actor Park Bo-gum (2 votes)
Yoon Hyun-jun, the CEO of Studio Slam and the creator of “Culinary Class Wars” and “Crime Scene Zero,” got two votes. Actor Park Bo-gum also received two votes, which shows how popular he is.
Beyond the top names? Lots of others, from CEOs to rising stars, also got votes—one each! It really shows the incredible range of talent shaping Korea’s cultural scene. Let’s meet them:
- A20 Entertainment CEO Lee Soo-man
- aespa
- All Day Project
- Bang Hyo-rin
- Cha Eun-woo
- Cho Yong-pil
- Choo Young-woo
- Director Maggie Kang
- Director Park Chan-wook
- EJAE
- Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin
- HUNTR/X
- IVE’s Ahn Yu-jin
- IVE’s Jang Won-young
- Kim Won-hoon
- Lee Jun-young
- Lee Soo-ji
- Park Jung-min
- PD Na Young-seok
- PLAVE
- President Lee Jae-myung
- Seo Jang-hoon
- Stray Kids
These fantastic figures prove that K-culture’s boundless future is built on endless talent, shining from every single corner!
Beyond the Spotlight
These figures inspire us with their creativity. Their journeys highlight the strength of passion and innovation. And their success adds to the amazing story of Hallyu.
Who do you think are the most powerful people in Korean entertainment this year? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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