K-pop Leaders Shine on Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players List

The world of K-pop showcases its dominance on the global stage. Key executives from leading companies have made headlines on Billboard’s ‘2025 Global Power Players’ list. This recognition highlights the substantial impact of figures from major K-pop labels such as HYBE and SM Entertainment on the global music industry.

Among those celebrated are Bang Si-Hyuk, Chairman of HYBE, and Lee Jae-Sang, CEO of HYBE. Also recognized are Shin Young-Jae, APAC representative of HYBE Music Group, and joint representatives of SM Entertainment, Jang Cheol-Hyuk and Tak Young-Joon. Jang Yoon-Joong from Kakao Entertainment also earned a spot on this esteemed list.

Notably, Tak Young-Joon and Shin Young-Jae have consistently appeared on the list since 2022. Jang Yoon-Joong has made the list four times since 2021. Their ongoing influence underscores their pivotal role in shaping trends and innovations within the dynamic K-pop industry.

In a significant change, Billboard rebranded the list from ‘International Power Players’ to ‘Global Power Players’. This shift reflects a broader scope, acknowledging leaders influencing the music industry beyond the U.S. It aligns with the evolving nature of the global music market, where Asian artists and executives play an increasingly vital role.

HYBE’s innovative approach also comes under the spotlight. Billboard noted its strategic use of artificial intelligence (AI) to propel global expansion. The introduction of virtual idol ‘Cindy Eight’ through its subsidiary Superton showcases this forward-thinking strategy. Additionally, the production support for concert videos of popular groups like TOMORROW X TOGETHER illustrates HYBE’s commitment to leveraging technology for creative advancements.

The success of K-pop acts like aespa and IVE during their world tours reinforces the thriving nature of the genre. Recently, the UK boy group Dear Alice, produced by SM and Kakao, reached an impressive second place on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart. This signifies a transformative shift in the K-pop model, allowing for new avenues of international success.

Other influential names on the list include Go Jong-Hyun, CEO of HYBE Latin America, Oh Yu-Jin, General Manager of HYBE360, and Park Jung-Ju, Head of the Music Team at Spotify Korea. All these leaders contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of K-pop and its global appeal. As the industry continues to evolve, recognizing these leaders celebrates their achievements and marks K-pop’s growing influence in the music world.

Key Takeaways:

• K-pop’s Global Influence: K-pop executives shape the international music landscape.
• Innovative Strategies: HYBE utilizes AI and technology to expand its reach.
• Consistent Recognition: Key figures continue to impact the industry year after year.

As K-pop continues to grow, the contributions of these leaders will be crucial in shaping its future.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.