K-pop has taken the world by storm, extending far beyond the music industry. With idols securing designer brand ambassadorships, front-row seats at fashion shows, and even runway moments, their influence in the fashion world is undeniable.
BIGBANG’s G-Dragon was one of the first idols to break into luxury fashion when he became Chanel’s global ambassador in 2016, paving the way for others. BTS followed in recent years with members like Jimin partnering with Dior, V with Celine, and the group collectively working with Louis Vuitton. These partnerships proved that idols could thrive in fashion even while signed under major agencies.
The BLACKPINK members, interestingly, have become fixtures in high fashion—not as a group, but as individual icons. Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo have each cemented their presence in high fashion, gracing campaigns for Chanel, Celine, Saint Laurent, Dior, and Cartier. Their solo careers in music and business further highlight that their star power isn’t tied to a single entity. But their transition from group members to soloists raises an intriguing question: Does stepping away from an agency lead to greater success, or does it present new challenges?
With many idols leaving their agencies for various reasons, it’s worth exploring whether independence grants them more creative control, financial opportunities, and global visibility.
Reinvention Through Creative Freedom
Before a group’s debut, agencies dictate concepts, music, and overall branding, often leaving idols with limited creative input. However, by going independent, they gain control over their artistic vision. They get to decide the art direction of their albums and music videos, the music they put out, and how they want it to be promoted.
Take Tiffany Young, for example. The Girls’ Generation member left SM Entertainment in 2017 and signed with Paradigm Talent Agency in the U.S., where she explored a more Western pop sound. Similarly, SB19 parted ways with their management to establish 1Z Entertainment, which has given them full creative control over their music and direction.
RELATED: Is SB19 Paving the Way for Young Southeast Asian Artists?
Global Reach and Collaborations
Agencies often have strict contractual limitations that can restrict an idol’s collaborations. Leaving an agency removes these restrictions, opening doors to partnerships that broaden their global appeal.
Jennie’s post-YG career, for instance, has seen collaborations with Doechii, Dua Lipa, and Childish Gambino, while Lisa has worked with Doja Cat, Raye, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyla. These collaborations allow them to diversify their sound and reach new audiences, proving that independence can be a gateway to even greater global influence.
This isn’t just a K-pop phenomenon. After leaving Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé’s solo career skyrocketed when she formed her own management company. Taylor Swift’s move from Big Machine Records to Republic Records allowed her to re-record her albums and reclaim ownership of her music, proving that reinvention can be both a creative and business power move.
Fashion as a Tool for Reinvention
Fashion has long been a tool for reinvention, signaling new chapters in an artist’s career. BLACKPINK’s members are a testament to this, maintaining their relevance even while pursuing solo careers. Jennie’s Chanel ambassadorship, Lisa’s partnerships with Celine and Bulgari, Rosé’s work with Saint Laurent, and Jisoo’s collaborations with Dior and Cartier all reinforce their personal brands beyond music.
While some luxury houses prefer to sign entire groups, like Givenchy with Aespa or Prada with ENHYPEN, the Blackpink members’ solo partnerships prove that individual influence can be just as powerful—if not more so—than a collective presence.
Business Ventures and Financial Success
Beyond music and fashion, many artists use their independence to build businesses. Post-agency life often leads to greater financial control, with idols establishing their own companies.
Kang Daniel, for instance, is now the CEO of two entertainment companies while also hosting the reality show Street Woman Fighter. Jennie and Jisoo founded their own agencies, Odd Atelier and BLISOO, while Lisa launched her artist management company, Lloud.
This mirrors the business moves of Western artists like Rihanna, who founded Westbury Road Entertainment before launching Fenty Beauty—raising the question of when she’ll return to music, given her massive success in business.
Defining Moments that Signal Post-Agency Success
Success isn’t defined solely by music sales or chart performance—it can be measured in creative freedom, expanded career opportunities, and financial independence.
For instance, while BLACKPINK only released two albums in seven years under YG, their members have been far more active since going solo, securing acting gigs, hosting TV shows, and expanding their global presence beyond music. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s re-recordings outselling the originals proved that ownership and artistic control can be more valuable than industry-imposed constraints.
What Guarantees Success?
Leaving an agency isn’t the end of the road for idols—it’s often the beginning of something greater. The key lies in how well they reinvent themselves. Whether through creative control, global reach, or business acumen, artists like Blackpink, SB19, BIGBANG, BTS, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift have shown that independence isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving.
Featured Image and Photos: JENNIE, G-DRAGON, ROSÉ, JISOO, RIHANNA, TAYLOR SWIFT, SB19 (via Instagram)
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