South Korean celebrities are more than just talented actors, singers, and entertainers—they’re becoming powerful entrepreneurs too. As the global Hallyu wave continues to dominate, many K-celebs have successfully launched brands that extend their influence far beyond the screen or stage. From beauty to fashion and food, these stars are building business empires that rake in millions.
In this article, we highlight Korean celebrities with the most profitable brands they’ve founded. Whether you’re a K-pop fan, a startup dreamer, or just curious about celebrity business moves, here’s who’s winning the brand game in 2025.
1. G-Dragon – PEACEMINUSONE
G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong), the legendary leader of BIGBANG, isn’t just known for pushing musical boundaries—he’s also a bona fide fashion icon. His brand, PEACEMINUSONE, founded in 2016, quickly grew into a cult label both in South Korea and globally.
What makes it profitable:
- Luxury collaborations with Nike (remember the Paranoise sneakers? Instant sellout).
- Limited drops that generate high resale value.
- Strong celebrity endorsements and a streetwear cult following.
As of 2025, PEACEMINUSONE is valued in the multi-million dollar range, with global demand keeping inventory scarce and prices high. The brand’s fusion of street fashion, art, and G-Dragon’s enigmatic persona makes it a long-lasting cultural force.
2. Jessica Jung – Blanc & Eclare
Former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung turned her passion for fashion into a business with Blanc & Eclare, launched in 2014. The brand started with sunglasses but quickly evolved into a full lifestyle label offering clothing, skincare, and accessories.
Brand highlights:
- Retail presence in over 60 locations worldwide.
- Stylish, minimalist designs that resonate with fashion-forward millennials and Gen Z.
- Jessica’s strong influence as a fashion entrepreneur and author.
Despite past controversies around lawsuits, Blanc & Eclare remains one of the most internationally visible fashion brands founded by a Korean celebrity. Jessica’s deep involvement in design and branding helped the company maintain a steady and lucrative presence in luxury fashion circles.
3. Jay Park – AOMG & H1GHR MUSIC
Jay Park isn’t just a rapper, singer, and dancer—he’s also a powerhouse in South Korea’s hip-hop scene as the founder of two successful labels: AOMG (2013) and H1GHR MUSIC (2017).
Why it’s profitable:
- Signed major Korean and international artists, including Loco, Simon Dominic, and pH-1.
- Partnerships with brands like Nike and YouTube Music.
- Jay Park’s personal brand and street credibility attract fans and business alike.
In 2022, Jay sold a stake in both labels to Kakao Entertainment, signaling their multi-million dollar valuation. Though he stepped down as CEO, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on through his new soju brand “Won Soju”, which is also gaining momentum in the premium alcohol market.
4. IU – EDAM Entertainment
In 2020, IU (Lee Ji-eun) left her long-time agency LOEN Entertainment to join EDAM Entertainment, a subsidiary of Kakao M created exclusively for her. Though she isn’t the founder in name, she plays a major executive role in shaping the company’s direction, making this worth highlighting.
Why it stands out:
- IU owns significant equity in the company. EDAM exclusively manages her brand, music, acting gigs, and endorsements.
- IU’s involvement ensures authentic branding and consistent fan engagement.
The company’s ability to monetise IU’s image globally—from sold-out concerts to drama roles and CF deals—makes EDAM highly profitable, with IU directly benefiting from the success.
5. Baekhyun (EXO) – Privé Alliance
Baekhyun, a member of the boy band EXO, took a more active role in fashion than most K-pop idols. In 2018, he became the co-creative director of Privé Alliance, a streetwear brand based in Los Angeles with Korean influences.
Profit drivers:
- Affordably priced streetwear with a luxury aesthetic.
- International sales powered by Baekhyun’s global fanbase.
- Brand collaborations and capsule drops.
Privé Alliance has grown into a profitable e-commerce brand, tapping into both K-pop fandom and Western streetwear culture. Baekhyun’s artistic input ensures the designs reflect his personal style, keeping fans engaged and returning.
6. CL – Very Cherry
Known as the fierce leader of 2NE1, CL founded Very Cherry in 2021 as a creative hub and label for her solo activities.
Profit potential:
- Complete ownership of her music rights.
- Fashion partnerships with global brands like Alexander Wang and Moschino.
- Strong merchandising and digital fanbase monetisation.
While Very Cherry is smaller in scale than others on this list, it remains a lean and profitable venture thanks to CL’s global appeal and control over her artistic output.
Final Thoughts
Korean celebrities are no longer just faces for endorsements—they’re building brands that stand on their own, driven by personal style, business savvy, and cultural influence. From streetwear to music labels and media ventures, these stars are proving that fame plus strategy equals long-term financial success.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love seeing how your favourite stars are making moves behind the scenes, these celebrity-founded brands are worth watching.
