Yang Hyun Suk Speaks About Future Plans for Big Bang, 2NE1 and New Groups

Yang Hyun Suk, member of the legendary group Seo Taiji and the Boys during the 1990’s has since reinvented himself as a leader in K-Pop’s global success. Fifteen years ago Yang Hyun Suk founded YG Entertainment which currently houses some of K-Pop’s biggest stars Se7en, Big Bang, and 2NE1.

“I am not a child of a tycoon, so I began with nothing. Originally, I started out with little money and YG was just a tiny corner shop, which was up until I discovered Jinusean and 1TYM.” YG Entertainment is now considered to be one of the top three record labels in Korea.

A lot has changed around Yang Hyun Suk since the early days. He maintains a beginner’s mindset in the sense that he remains curious about new things, as he shared his motto, “Live better tomorrow than you did today.”

Yang Hyun Suk revealed his upcoming global plans for his artists, “Big Bang and 2NE1 will focus more on performing at festivals to further their global promotion. The United States and Europe are more fitting for 2NE1 and Big Bang. Meanwhile, Se7en will concentrate on his Japanese promotions.  Each of our artists have strengths that match the local as well as global markets.”

He commented regarding K-Pop’s potential, “This is just a start. No one is able to predict the impact that K-Pop can and will have on the market, however it does not appear to be merely a trend.”

He continued, “YG Entertainment plans to create office branches in the US as well as Europe to more efficiently manage our global efforts. Our goal is to become the world’s leading music company. In doing so we will try our best to offer compelling content which will boost interest in K-Pop.”

YG Entertainment is the most sought after company to enter for new trainees, according to a Korean research poll. YG’s management style has the lowest job turnover rate among the entertainment companies.

Currently there are close to 40 trainees housed at YG Entertainment. It has been mentioned before, the entertainment giant plans to release a new girl and boy group sometime this year.

The girl group is said to debut in the first half of 2012. They are expected to be strong with roots in hip-hop music but rumors call them “YG’s answer to Girls Generation.” What can all of this mean?

 “2NE1 is a blend of hip-hop, electronic, rock and rap music, the style for the rookie girl group is difficult to predict. YG’s style of hip-hop comes out stronger than your average group.” He has continued, “With Big Bang they debuted through a reality show. 2NE1 featured in a commercial. The new girl group will follow in their footsteps and you can expect they will make their debut in a new way. “