2026 Billboard Global Power Players: K-Pop Giants Like HYBE and JYP Dominate the Music Industry

[By Kim Han-gil, TV Daily] K-pop’s influence in the global music business was underscored once again as leaders from major South Korean firms — HYBE, JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment — dominated Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players list.

Billboard published the 2026 Global Power Players on its website on March 9. The annual list spotlights executives who have driven growth and innovation across music markets outside the United States and is widely regarded as a barometer of the global music industry's direction.

HYBE placed a record six executives on the list, led by chairman Bang Si-hyuk, who made the cut for the fifth time after being named in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2025. Billboard credited Bang for adapting the K-pop production model for the wider pop market and establishing a new blueprint for success. The outlet highlighted the global girl group KATSEYE — produced under his direction — for its sustained presence on Billboard’s main charts and its nomination at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, achievements that helped secure his recognition. Joining Bang on the list were key international executives steering HYBE’s expansion: Lee Jae-sang (HYBE CEO), O Yu-jin (head of ThreeSixty), Isaac Lee (chairman and CEO of HYBE America), Han Hyun-rok (CEO of HYBE Japan) and Kim Tae-ho (COO), underscoring the company’s growing global footprint.

JYP Entertainment also earned prominent placement. Founder and CCO Park Jin-young, CEO Jung Wook and Shin Hyun-guk, CEO and chief strategy officer of JYP America, all made the list. Their inclusion follows strong showings on Billboard’s 2026 Power 100 multisector rankings and reflects JYP’s sustained influence in the international market. Billboard singled out Stray Kids’ extensive world tour, which delivered notable box-office results and audience turnout in North America, as evidence of K-pop’s expanding live-performance market.

SM Entertainment’s leadership was likewise recognized. Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-joon, together with Chief Global Officer Choi Jung-min, were named to the list. Tak’s selection marks five consecutive years on the list since 2022, while Jang has been included three years running since 2024, signaling consistent leadership in the global arena. SM, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, broadened its international engagement through a slate of concerts and projects and is pursuing IP expansion and strengthened global operations under its SM NEXT 3.0 strategy.

Kakao Entertainment co-CEO Jang Yoon-jung also appears on the list. Jang has been named five times since 2021, and Billboard credited his role in extending K-pop music IPs into new global markets. Leveraging a vast distribution network and an extensive music library, Kakao Entertainment has been instrumental in introducing diverse K-pop genres worldwide while supporting artists’ overseas activities and cross-border collaborations.

Billboard said the list aims to highlight the executives driving success in an era when artists and music cross borders more actively than ever. The selections reflect how K-pop companies are shaping global music trends through artist development, international touring, IP growth and platform partnerships.

[By Kim Han-gil, TV Daily — news@tvdaily.co.kr / Photos courtesy of the respective agencies]