YG Exits Actor Management—Korea’s Top Actress Finds a New Home

Kim Hee-ae has officially left YG Entertainment and found a new home with KeyEast.

On March 10, KeyEast released an official statement, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Kim Hee-ae, one of Korea’s most iconic actresses, to our family. As a veteran in the industry, she has showcased exceptional talent throughout her career, and we will provide our full support so she can continue her diverse activities.”

Kim Hee-ae made her debut in the 1983 film The First Day of the Twentieth Year and gained widespread recognition in the 1986 drama First Love. She solidified her status as one of Korea’s leading actresses through a string of hit dramas, including Sons and Daughters, Perfect Love, and My Man’s Woman.

In 2020, she delivered an unforgettable performance in JTBC’s The World of the Married, portraying intense emotional turmoil that captivated audiences. Her role earned her the Best Actress award in the TV category at the Baeksang Arts Awards. More recently, she impressed global viewers with her charismatic presence in Netflix’s Queenmaker. Known for her refined elegance and profound acting skills, Kim Hee-ae’s move to KeyEast has sparked curiosity about her next career steps.

KeyEast’s roster includes actors such as Cha Seung-won, Chae Jung-an, Park Myung-hoon, Bae Jung-nam, Han Sun-hwa, Kang Han-na, and Stephanie Lee. The company is also actively involved in drama production, with projects like KBS2’s Iron Family, Coupang Play’s Family Matters, tvN’s When the Stars Gossip, and Disney+’s Trigger in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, YG Entertainment has recently withdrawn from the actor management business, marking a major shift in its corporate direction.