YG and C-JeS Entertainment Deny They're in Talks to Join Forces – Why That's a Bummer for Fans
As the Korean entertainment industry continues to spread its influence around the world with big name acts performing more and more international concerts and South Korean actors increasing their on-screen time abroad, the next few years could see the rise of some very large and very powerful conglomerates.
The recent merger of SM and Woollim Entertainment as well as the new partnership between CUBE Entertainment and iHQ may have just been the first of many trailblazing steps.
In late September, two other industry moguls YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk and C-JeS Entertainment CEO Baek Chang Joo were spotted in a friendly meeting with one another over a meal.
Many have begun to speculate that encounter could mean a business relationship between the two agencies is not far off, despite being denied by reps from the companies.
One responded to media rumors by saying, "It was just a simple get together to share a meal. Please do not stretch the meaning so far. It was only a meeting to exchange greetings, nothing more or less."
However, that hasn't stopped fans and netizens from imagining a brighter world with YG and C-JeS working together.
If they were to join forces (and we are not saying they are going to, just hypothetically speaking), there are several big changes fans could expect to see.
For starters this could mean great things for C-JeS's top act, JYJ. After splitting from SM Entertainment and their former group TVXQ, Junsu, Yoochun, and Jaejoong have continued to prove their worldwide popularity and fame with chart-topping singles, hit albums, and a strong hold on TV, film and theater roles.
However, due to SM Entertainment's over-reaching influence, the trio has often been blocked from music programs and other TV show appearances, and even a recent concert to promote the 2014 Incheon Asian games - for which they are the honorary ambassadors.
Putting the group in cahoots with YG could open a lot of doors for them, especially considering the near universal praise for the agency that also houses top international music acts Big Bang, Psy, and 2NE1. At the very least, it would give JYJ the leverage they need to put their former company in its place.
Another way a working relationship between the two companies would be beneficial would be for YG Entertainment's acting department.
A goal that Yang Hyun Suk admitted was on his mind during an interview in late August when he said, "We are going to strengthen our actor management system. We will deliver the news in the near future."
The comment came not long after actress Kang Hye Jung left YG and, at the recommendation of Yang Hyun Suk himself, signed with C-JeS - a company much better equipped to handle the management of actors.
Funneling actors through a partner company would be a good way for YG to increase the productivity of the actors they already have and give C-JeS the opportunity to jump up to number one in the field, having the strongest actor management department of any other agency.
This sort of 'divide and conquer' strategy would also mean that YG would easily be able to maintain its position as one of Korea's 'Big Three' entertainment companies.
SM shows no signs of slowing (or getting smaller) and JYP Entertainment is already wobbling under the pressure to compete leading many to think that CUBE is soon to take over a spot in the coveted top rankings. Especially after their partnership with iHQ was announced - big news for the company that wants to significantly increase their market share.
YG Entertainment is pretty solidly placed among the industry's elite, but as other companies continue to join forces, down the line, without getting bigger, there will be some struggles ahead.
So, while Yang Hyun Suk and Baek Chang Joo deny meeting for business reasons, so many of us are left wondering, 'Why the heck not?' It would behoove both companies to reconsider this position and seriously consider scratching one another's backs sometime in the near future.