Lee Jae Sang Discusses K-Pop’s Future at 2025 CEO Forum

On July 16, 2025, Lee Jae Sang, the CEO of HYBE, delivered a keynote speech at the 2025 Korea Economic Association CEO Summer Forum held at the prestigious Lotte Hotel Jeju. This forum brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the K-pop industry and the strategies for sustainable growth.

A Shift in Leadership

Initially, Bang Si Hyuk, the Chairman of HYBE, was scheduled to present the keynote address. However, due to recent controversies and scrutiny from financial authorities, he stepped down, allowing Lee Jae Sang to take the stage. This change highlighted the need for fresh perspectives in addressing the challenges facing the K-pop industry.

Key Strategies for K-Pop Growth

During his address, Lee emphasized the theme of overcoming the so-called ‘K-pop crisis.’ He outlined three core strategies that HYBE has implemented to navigate through these challenges:

1. Multi Home, Multi Genre: This strategy focuses on diversifying the music produced by various artists, allowing for greater creativity and broader appeal.
2. Multi Label: By operating multiple labels under HYBE, the company can cater to diverse musical tastes and fan bases, enhancing its reach both domestically and internationally.
3. Fan Platform: The development of Weverse, a global fan platform, plays a crucial role in engaging fans and building a loyal community around artists.

Case Study: KATSEYE

Lee also highlighted the successful case study of KATSEYE, a group that exemplifies these strategies. By leveraging a strong fan engagement model, KATSEYE has managed to achieve significant milestones that resonate with fans worldwide. This approach underscores the importance of fostering a robust local network as a foundation for global expansion.

Conclusion: The Future of K-Pop

As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, Lee Jae Sang’s insights provide a roadmap for sustainable growth and resilience. His emphasis on innovation, fan engagement, and strategic diversification aligns with the ongoing trends in the music industry. The discussion at the 2025 Korea Economic Association CEO Summer Forum not only reflects the current state of K-pop but also sets the tone for its future developments, positioning HYBE as a leader in navigating these dynamic changes.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.