K-pop stocks struggle amid scandals, sluggish earnings


Major K-pop companies, including Hybe, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and SM Entertainment, are facing a slowdown in growth, with Hybe being hit the hardest due to ongoing scandals. Hybe, known for managing BTS, experienced a 4.56 percent drop in its shares, reaching the lowest point since December 2022. Despite reporting record second-quarter sales, the company's operating profit decreased by 37 percent year-on-year. The decline in stock value is attributed to various setbacks, including controversies surrounding BTS member Suga and rumors about Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, as well as internal disputes with subsidiary label Ador. Similarly, other K-pop powerhouses like JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and SM Entertainment have also witnessed significant declines in their stock prices and operating profits. Despite these challenges, market analysts express cautious optimism about the sector's recovery, anticipating the return of major groups later in the year. They emphasize the importance of focusing on long-term business developments rather than short-term earnings in evaluating these companies' valuations. Overall, the K-pop industry is expected to experience a rebound, with analysts projecting a recovery for Hybe by the end of the year, particularly with BTS's planned full-group comeback in 2025. Similarly, YG Entertainment is anticipated to undergo a transition period before rebounding in 2025, while SM Entertainment's future performance is also closely watched amid the sector's anticipated recovery.


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