Pledis Entertainment Appoints Kim Yeon-soo as New CEO

Pledis Entertainment has officially announced a significant leadership change within the company.

On November 1st, the label, part of the Hybe Music Group, revealed that Vice President Kim Yeon-soo has been appointed as the new CEO. This strategic move comes as Pledis looks to strengthen its position in the competitive K-pop industry and continue its growth trajectory.

Kim Yeon-soo has been with Pledis since 2012, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction and success. He was instrumental in launching Seventeen, guiding the group through their debut and subsequent rise to global prominence. Under his leadership, Seventeen not only gained a massive fan base in South Korea but also made significant inroads into the Japanese market, further establishing their presence as a leading K-pop act.

In addition to his new role at Pledis, Kim Yeon-soo also serves as the CEO of Hybe Labels Japan, which includes the group &TEAM. With this dual appointment, he will oversee operations at both companies, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and enhance collaboration across the Hybe umbrella.

In his first statement as CEO, Kim expressed his vision for the future of Pledis, emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing both artists and fans. He stated, “I will strive to provide content that allows people to truly enjoy original entertainment while putting artists and fans first.” His focus on creating meaningful connections between artists and their audiences aligns with the growing trend in the industry toward more fan-centric approaches.

Pledis Entertainment is home to several popular artists and groups, including Baekho (Kang Dong-ho), Hwang Min-hyun, Bumzu, Seventeen, fromis_9, and TWS. Under Kim’s leadership, the company aims to build on its successes and explore new opportunities for growth in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

As Kim Yeon-soo steps into his new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how his leadership will influence Pledis’s direction and the continued success of its artists in the competitive K-pop market.