Actors Kim Hee-ae, left, and Cha Seung-won / Newsis

Korean entertainment giant YG said Friday it is ending its actor management business to refocus on its music division. The label said its actors will leave the agency in phases as their contracts expire.

In a press release, YG explained that the move is part of a broader restructuring to streamline operations. "To focus on our primary business of music, we are reorganizing our business structure and discontinuing actor management," the company said.

YG's talent roster currently includes renowned actors such as Kim Hee-ae, Cha Seung-won, Jang Hyun-sung, Yoo In-na, Jung Hye-young, Claudia Kim, Lee Sung-kyoung, Jang Ki-yong, Lee Soo-hyuk, Han Seung-yeon and Son Na-eun. Among them, Yoo Seung-ho, whose contract ends in March, is the only actor confirmed to leave on a specific date so far.

Reports indicated that YG began scaling back its actor management division in 2024. The company reportedly held individual meetings with its actors to explain the decision, outline future business plans and seek their understanding.

Actors will not leave the agency en masse following the announcement. Instead, they will fulfill their current contracts and exit in stages, ensuring a smooth transition.

"We sincerely thank all the actors who have been with us and the fans who have shown unwavering support," YG said in its statement. "We will do our utmost to provide necessary support until the very end."

Founded by executive producer Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment has been scaling back its nonentertainment operations in recent years, including its ventures into cosmetics, dining, sports and drama production.

In 2022, YG dissolved its food subsidiary, YG Foods. The following year, it sold YG Sports, a golf service provider and relinquished management control of Studio Plex in 2024, selling a 60 percent stake in the drama production company. Additionally, the agency shut down its dance management and academy business under the YGX label.