“Big 4” K-Pop Company Building Glow-Ups Prove How Far They’ve Come

Ready for an architectural tour of K-Pop’s powerhouses? Let’s embark on a journey through the incredible “Glow-Ups” of the headquarters of the “Big 4” K-Pop companies. These aren’t just office buildings; they’re symbols of the triumphs and aspirations of some of the most influential music entities worldwide.

From humble beginnings to futuristic complexes, the transformation of these companies’ headquarters illustrates their meteoric rise and the global phenomenon that K-Pop has become.

1. HYBE

Kicking off the list with Bighit Entertainment, now known as HYBE, the company that catapulted BTS and TXT to global fame. From its beginnings in a very modest building (in which they only occupied two floors!) HYBE has truly undergone an impressive transformation.

Their brand new headquarters, situated in Yongsan, Seoul, is a testament to their global success and monumental growth. Stretching 19 stories high and seven floors below ground, this mammoth building spans around 60,000 square meters, accommodating over a thousand employees and executives.

The facility is strategically divided into an entertainment production section, office section, and an employee welfare section. They’ve really thought of everything to ensure their team can work, create, and relax all in one place.

2. YG Entertainment

Next up, we’ve got YG Entertainment. Its headquarters went from a simple two-story building to a sprawling complex in Mapo-gu that makes you go, “Whoa, they mean business!”

The renowned multinational agency, YG Entertainment, collaborated with UNStudio to create their stunning new headquarters. Designed as an “urban speaker,” the building is strategically nestled between a beautiful park, bustling highways, and a tranquil residential area, harmoniously blending urban functionality with serene landscapes.

This architectural marvel houses a plethora of spaces – from meeting rooms to recording studios – across seven floors, all bathed in ample daylight courtesy of generous glazing overlooking the park. The heart of the building is a tranquil interior atrium featuring a meticulously maintained garden, where employees and guests can gather under its skylit roof.

3. SM Entertainment

From a humble office in Apgujeong-dong, this industry titan has upped the ante with its stylish, state-of-the-art building in Cheongdam-dong. SM’s old offices were located in a modest yet sleek building covered in blue glass.

Now, the pioneer of the K-Pop industry has created an architectural emblem of their visionary approach with their new headquarters in Cheongdam-dong. The building’s design is nothing short of futuristic – a sleek, modern structure that stands out as a landmark in the buzzing heart of Seoul. The exterior resembles a stack of gleaming cubes, all fitted together in a seemingly abstract yet meticulously planned pattern.

The interior reflects the same fusion of creativity and practicality. Each floor is thoughtfully designed to foster both productivity and artistic inspiration. From cutting-edge recording studios to spacious dance rooms, the building provides everything their artists need to hone their skills and create chart-topping music.

omg so this is how sm's new building will look like :0 pic.twitter.com/7Z1lI1CnK5

— eri (@peachqin) April 6, 2021

4. JYP Entertainment

Before the elegant building that is the current JYP headquarters, there was the old JYP building, which held its own unique charm. This older structure was instantly recognizable, thanks to the enormous posters of JYP artists that proudly adorned its exterior. Fans would often flock to the building, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars or simply to snap a picture with the vibrant, larger-than-life posters that symbolized the company’s dedication to its artists.

Upon stepping into the new building, you’re greeted by a transparent cafeteria, designed to symbolize the company’s commitment to transparency and open communication. The cafeteria not only serves up delicious meals, but it’s also a hub of activity and interaction, where artists and staff can break bread together. Beyond the cafeteria, the headquarters house top-notch recording studios, dance rooms, and comfortable resting spaces, all designed to provide an ideal environment for artists to hone their skills and create beautiful music.

The practice rooms are spacious, equipped with full-length mirrors and the best sound systems, providing artists with the space they need to grow and thrive. There are also multiple meeting and communal areas that encourage collaboration and foster a close-knit community within the company. Thanks to a video of J.Y. Park himself showing Wonder Girls members around the new building, fans can look more closely at the stunning interior.