4Minute's Gayoon Becomes Creative Director as K-Pop Labels Face Executive Shakeup

The K-pop landscape continues to reshape itself as companies reshuffle talent and leadership. Here's what moved this week across the industry.

Executive Changes

JYP, founder of JYP Entertainment, has stepped down as Inside Director to focus on his artist career. More optimistically, 4Minute's Heo Gayoon has taken on a new role as creative director at Cube Entertainment, a sign of how veteran idols are moving into decision-making positions as the industry matures.

Label Moves and Departures

Several high-profile artists announced new homes or exits: SHINee's Taemin joined Galaxy Corporation, while TEN departed SM Entertainment but will remain active in NCT and WayV. SEVENTEEN renewed entirely with Pledis Entertainment, a significant retention win. Lee Hi left Duover and signed with 808 HI RECORDINGS, while SNSD's Tiffany joined Pacific Music Group. Kwon Eunbi exited Woollim Entertainment, and Lee Chae Yeon signed with DOD, a subsidiary of BTOB Company. HyunA left AT AREA, and Kim Sejeong departed Jellyfish Entertainment for BH Entertainment.

On the corporate side, RBW's subsidiary WM Entertainment acquired 257 Entertainment (XLOV). The move comes as WM has faced notable departures over the past year from groups including ONF, B1A4, and roughly half of Oh My Girl.

Hiatuses and Disbandments

AB6IX announced they're taking a hiatus from group activities. DKZ officially disbanded. SECRET NUMBER also faced a major shift: member Zuu left the group and VINE Entertainment, and the roster now consists solely of the four members added in the previous lineup, following Soodam's recent departure.

Health-related breaks also emerged: FIFTY FIFTY's Hana is on hiatus following a hospital visit, while Ji Eunho left LUN8 due to health concerns.

Personal Milestones

On lighter notes, ALICE's Sohee welcomed a baby girl, Rainbow's Woori announced her pregnancy, and STELLAR's Minhee announced her marriage. Yuto Nakajima of Hey! Say! JUMP! and actress Yuko Araki also revealed their engagement.

B.I enlisted in the military on March 16 and Nam Tae Hyun received a one-year prison sentence for drunk driving.