It is common for celebrities to explore new ventures. Sometimes it can be sharpening their cooking skills or learning guitar, or starting a new business. Celebrities often use this platform to create something new. Likewise, a lot of South Korean actors have ventured into business and have become their bosses. Here's a list of actors who are not only successful in the entertainment industry but are also successful CEOs.
1. Kang Daniel
Kang Daniel is probably the youngest CEO in the South Korean industry. His one-man venture KD Corporation which started as a small agency has branched into many small businesses. He has established a cafe, and an app solely for his fans. His Konnect Entertainment is also making quite a buzz in the town, and we are excited to see what's more to come.
2. Hyun Bin And Shin Min Ah
The star of 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon' Hyun Bin is not only a charismatic actor but also the owner of a successful business venture. After leaving his former agency, Hyun Bin with Shin Min Ah started I& Entertainment. However, after his contract with O& Entertainment ended, Hyun Bin established a new agency called VAST Entertainment. VSAT Entertainment currently holds some of the best and most talented South Korean stars under its role.
3. So Ji Sub
Actor So Ji Sub's 51K, that initially started as a one-person agency, has now become the host of multiple actors. The agency started with no plans of recruiting junior actors initially. The agency currently manages Ok Taecyeon, Lee Seung Woo, Cha Hak Yeon, and many more. So Ji Sub is not only an incredible artist but also a capable and handsome CEO.
4. Song Seung Heon
Autumn in my Heart star Song Seung Heon is not only an actor-model. After giving it much thought, the actor decided to start his agency. Song Seung Heon created Better Ent to expand his purview as a TV personality. At the time of its establishment, Better Ent was known as Storm S.
5. Bae Yong Joon
Bae Yong Joon is one of the most successful and famed actors turned CEOs. Bae Yong Joon had us falling for his talent for his role in the classic K-Drama Winter Sonata. With his new venture KeyEast Entertainment, he earned global fame. KeyEast Entertainment is one of the biggest entertainment companies in South Korea. KeyEast hosts an imposing range of artists, such as Kim Seo Hyung, Kang Ha Na, Woo Do Hwan, Moon Ga Young, and many more.
6. Rain
Rain is a famed singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, record producer, and business owner. Rain launched his first business, Six to Five, a clothing line, in December 2008. Rain also started his entertainment agency after leaving JYP Entertainment. J Tune Entertainment was established in November 2007. Later in 2010, J Tune Entertainment merged with JYP Entertainment and is one of the most prominent agencies in South Korea. Not only this, but he also started his one-man agency R.A.I.N Company in 2015, from which he will launch a handpicked boyband.
7. Lee Jong Suk
Lee Jong Suk is not only known for his roles in Pinocchio, Doctor Stranger, while you were sleeping but also for his business venture. Lee Jong Suk owns a two-story cafe named 89 Mansion in Seoul. However, there are rumours that Lee Jong Suk will be selling his restaurant soon. Let's hope he starts a new venture soon.
8. Yoo Ah-In
Uhm Hong Sik or professionally known as Yoo Ah-in, is an actor, creative director, and gallerist. He is famous for playing dynamic characters in both television dramas and films.
Partnering with stars born in the 1980s, Yoo established a creative collective named Studio Concrete in 2014. The idea behind the Studio is to build a healthy support system for upcoming artists. The group ventures into a range of projects like planning exhibitions, advertisements, graphic design, product design, and art collaborations.
9. Seungri
The youngest idol of the boy band Big Bang is famous for his dance skills and business ventures. Seungri once revealed that he wanted a steady source of income. To make full use of his platform, Seungri has started several dance schools. He has established a chain of dance schools named Plug in Music Academy also known as Seungri Academy trains youngsters in both dancing and singing.
10. Yoo Yeon Seok
After making us love his acting, Yoo Yeon Seok is making us fall in love with his wine port. Yoo Yeon Seok has always been interested in port wine. Now his passion has led to the opening of Lua Lounge, a chill zone. The Hospital Playlist actor has done the interior designing himself. Lua Lounge is the perfect spot to hang out with your besties and watch movies, or you can enjoy a glass of wine on the open rooftop view.
