Just like the K-pop groups BTS, EXO, TWICE, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, etc., who are currently among the most prominent groups in the K-pop industry, there is also an "Ace" list for agencies that are hailed as the "BIG 3."
The so-called "Big 3" is composed of three agencies that are the biggest and most successful entertainment companies, which are labels of the largest K-pop groups, artists, Korean actresses/actors, and models to date.
SM Entertainment, which is the home to Boa, TVXQ, f(x), Super Junior, SHINee, SNSD, EXO, Red Velvet, SuperM, and NCT, sits on the throne as the no. 1 entertainment agency in Korea.
The second spot belongs to YG Entertainment, which is home to BIGBANG, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, iKON, WINNER, AKMU, and upcoming group TREASURE.
Meanwhile, JYP Entertainment completes the trinity with its powerful artists, ITZY, TWICE, Day6, 2PM, GOT7, and Stray Kids.
However, on May 28, fans spearheaded a discussion in an online community site, some of who are doubting the credibility of YG Entertainment as part of the "Big 3."
In the discourse, fans and K-netizens' opinions were divided. Some K-netizens answered that nothing has changed, and YGE is still one of the "Big 3," given the impact of its artists and contribution to the industry.
To be able to become part of the said ranking, an entertainment firm should earn the most profit to have consistent success in the various generation of K-pop.
An online user shared, "To be part of the big 3, the company must produce successful groups within three generations, so it's SM, JYP, and YG."
In addition to this, BLACKPINK and BIGBANG hold a massive influence and power, not to mention that YG Entertainment is also preparing a new group, TREASURE. And despite not yet debuting, the rookie group already joined SuperM on Billboard Top 50 even before their official introduction to the public.
Meanwhile, some fans commented that Big Hit Entertainment should be part of the "Big 3." Previously, netizens discussed as well as how vast and powerful the current lineup of the agency is.
This is because recently, Big Hit Entertainment acquired Source Music and Pledis Entertainment as its subsidiaries, home to GFriend, SEVENTEEN, and NU'EST, respectively, who are also huge groups, along with BTS and TXT.
A netizen exclaimed, "I even think that Big Hit is the top entertainment now!"
On the other hand, some internet users ended the heated discussion by concluding that Big Hit should go on its own, as SM, YG, and JYP are like default agencies' for aspiring idols.
"Bighit is Bighit."
"Why not Big 4 instead of Big 3?"
In fact, some Korean media and press are already using the term, "Big 5," including Big Hit and CJ ENM.
What are your thoughts about this?
