WAKEONE Appoints Ex-SM CEO Nam Soyoung to Lead Agency

WAKEONE, the K-pop artist business subsidiary of CJ ENM, announced a significant leadership change on November 3, 2025, appointing Nam Soyoung as its new General Representative (CEO). A respected veteran in the K-pop business and former CEO of SM Entertainment, Nam Soyoung is expected to spearhead a strategic reorganization aimed at bolstering the agency’s artist management capabilities and enhancing its global competitiveness.

A New Era of Leadership for WAKEONE

Nam Soyoung is widely recognized as a first-generation female leader in the K-pop industry. Her extensive career includes establishing SM JAPAN at its inception and managing top-tier artists at SM Entertainment for many years. Her experience serving as an executive at various affiliates and eventually as the CEO of SM Entertainment makes her a pivotal figure in the K-pop business. Her appointment as the new WAKEONE CEO signals a new chapter for the agency, leveraging her expertise to navigate the dynamic global music market.

Strategic Reorganization for Global K-Pop Dominance

Under Nam Soyoung’s leadership, WAKEONE is implementing a new two-center system to provide more specialized and efficient artist management. This structural change is designed to maximize the potential of its diverse roster and accelerate their growth on both domestic and international stages. The new strategy focuses on dedicated support for its flagship groups and a clear path for emerging talent.

Center 1: Focused Management for ZEROBASEONE and izna

The first center will be exclusively dedicated to managing the 5th-generation boy group ZEROBASEONE and the global rookie group izna. This focused approach will ensure that both groups receive comprehensive support for their domestic and international activities. By concentrating resources, WAKEONE aims to solidify their positions as leading acts in the global K-pop scene.

Center 2: Launching the Next Generation with ALPHA DRIVE ONE

The second center is tasked with the debut and growth of the new large-scale boy group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1). Formed through the Mnet survival program ‘Boys Planet’, this group represents the future of WAKEONE’s artist lineup. This center will oversee their development and launch, ensuring a powerful entry into the competitive K-pop landscape.

Specialized Support for Solo Artists and Future Growth

In addition to its group-focused centers, WAKEONE has announced plans to establish a specialized label to support its talented solo artists. This initiative will provide tailored management for singers Kim Feel, Ha HyunSang, Jo YuRi, and Kim JaeHwan, allowing them to flourish in their respective musical careers. The company also affirmed its commitment to increasing its investment in new artist development, promising a continuous pipeline of fresh talent to lead the future of K-pop.

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