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From a Trainee to CEO: K-pop Idols who now Run the Show

AKP STAFF
Posted by ean1994 Friday, July 11, 2025 6,587


It takes a lot of grit to start from the bottom and make it to the top, but these K-pop idols have pushed through from trainee days to become CEOs of their own companies and brands!

1. Jay Park

Despite the fact that Jay Park essentially had his idol group career cut short, he is one of the very few idols who actually made a jump back and fared even better than before. As former CEO of AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, he’s now shifting his focus to the world of soju. Jay Park is the proud owner and CEO of Won Soju.

2. BLACKPINK Jennie

Jennie’s taste in fashion and music is surely unique. As a trendsetter, it’s a surprise that she didn’t end up creating her own label sooner. But thankfully, she’s now the CEO of ODD ATELIER.

3. Rain

Veteran singer Rain made waves when he announced that he was going to start his own entertainment company. Now the owner of RAIN COMPANY, he successfully produced the idol group MBLAQ a few years back.

4. Zico

Founder of KOZ Entertainment, which was later acquired by HYBE. ZICO continues to expand his mastery in the world of music through production, creation, and lyricism.

5. Jae Joong

If you’re a fan, you’ll know that Jaejoong was one of the first idols to become a CEO. Starting off with a cafe and now branching out to managing and producing his own K-pop idol group, Jaejoong is doing quite well for himself.

6. INFINITE

After leaving Woollim Entertainment, it’s fascinating to see how INFINITE reunited not just for promotions but to run their own company. It’s a unique case because each member is still with their own individual companies, but also united together under INFINITE COMPANY.

7. Psy

Psy has had a strong career on stage, and that success has now branched into managing artists. The founder of P NATION, he houses some of the best artists in K-pop today, including Crush, Heize, and previously Jessi, HyunA, and DAWN.


SEE ALSO: Jennie turns heads in a sleek mini dress while relaxing in Milan

  1. Jennie
  2. Zico
  3. INFINITE
  4. Jay Park
  5. Jaejoong
  6. Psy
  7. Rain
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