Fans on the K-Pop sub-Reddit recently discussed idols they believe could be the next great company CEO, filling in the shoes of company founders Park Jinyoung (JYPE Entertainment), Lee Soo Man(SM Entertainment), or Yang Hyun Suk(YG Entertainment).
Some of the required traits discussed included not being afraid of change, creativity, and engagement in the music process, and having some applicable “street smarts.”
Here are some of the most mentioned idols:
1. (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon
(G)I-DLE‘s Soyeon is known for her fearless behavior and ability to put herself out there on shows like Unpretty Rapstar and Queendom.
Soyeon is dedicated to her work: she recently moved out of the group’s dorms in order to have a space for her own studio and be able to work as needed. In addition to this Soyeon has shown she has what it takes to lead trainees and manage a group.
Soyeon own studio in her house pic.twitter.com/iMj2iefViP
— keeper (@reminniescence) May 13, 2022
is2g Soyeon is a really great mentor. thinking of looking up (g)-idle's discography just to see her perform 😭 miss akali aint playin https://t.co/FBuQgIY0uG
— Adrian เอเดรียน 🌸 (@seanurayenza) December 23, 2021
Soyeon has also been praised for her work ethic and professionalism by other producers! During her appearance on I Live Alone, Soyeon was shown leading a meeting and discussing all aspects of the group’s upcoming album with members of CUBE Entertainment.
2. GOT7’s Jackson Wang
GOT7‘s Jackson Wang is already a CEO! Jackson is the CEO of Team Wang and has led the team into various different ventures including a fashion brand and has more than seven different brand partnerships!
Jackson’s experience outside of being a member of GOT7 includes coaching and mentoring teams on Street Dance of China, working with young musicians, and being involved with all aspects of his own music production.
2016: Jackson taking care of pre-debut Yu Zeyu (now in the group Boystory)
2019: Jackson collaborating with Boystory
I'm not crying, YOU ARE pic.twitter.com/LcdF2NE859
— Rose ✨ ~ 王嘉尔 🍓🌹 (@sseunie328) July 29, 2019
Jackson has stated that his goals include having his own record label where artists are signed. Additionally, Team Wang currently has a strategic partnership with RYCE Entertainment that includes production, distribution, publishing, and more.
3. VIXX’s Ravi
When VIXX‘s Ravi did not renew his contact many fans were left wondering what was next for the star. Shortly after, it was announced that Ravi had founded and become the CEO of his own company Groovl1n!
Groovl1n currently has four artists signed to the company, Nafla, Cold Bay, Xydo, and Ravi himself. The members have successfully conducted several tours both individually and as a unit!
4. Kang Daniel
Following the disbandment of WANNAONE, Kang Daniel won a legal dispute with his then agency, LM Entertainment over the company’s unfair exclusive contract. He then announced he was preparing his own agency, KONNECT ENTERTAINMENT.
CEO Kang Daniel took steps to ensure his company would be set up exactly for his needs as a solo artist and has been able to sign other artists! In terms of the listed criteria, Kang Daniel also plays an active role in the product of his own music: he was credited for all lyrics for his first full album (and several of his songs.
If only Kang Daniel added more songs on Yellow, I know it'll pass as album of the year. It is one of the most cohesive albums I've listened in 2021. The color series proved that Kang Daniel deserved the top spot on Produce 101. Mind you, he got writing credits to all songs in it.
— dan (READ 📌) (@mundaene) March 20, 2022
5. Stray Kids’ Bang Chan
With over 100 Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) credits, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan has a plethora of experience in writing and producing for his group.
As the leader of his group, Bang Chan has experience in guiding and aiding other artists and many fans think he would be perfect as a CEO. As seen in Stray Kids’ experimentation with a variety of sounds, Bang Chan is not afraid of trying new things, something many consider a needed trait for a CEO.
i vote bangchan CEO of his own company
— luna (@minhobundIes) June 24, 2020
remember when teen vogue wrote an article saying, “in the studio, there is no one more focused or organized than bang chan”? congrats on 124 song credits under ur name + being the 1st most credited 4th gen idol🖤 pic.twitter.com/ndWklVebGS
— yas*✩* (@beyondyasmin) June 3, 2022
