Seoul, South Korea — After years at the intersection of law and entertainment, Kang Ho-sung is embarking on a new venture aimed at reshaping the way South Korean celebrities are represented. As the founder and CEO of KHS Agency, Kang is focused on introducing a fresh approach to artist management that goes beyond traditional methods.
Having previously served as a prosecutor and worked as an entertainment lawyer, Kang is well-acquainted with the industry’s complexities. He emphasized the need for advanced support for artists—particularly as the Korean entertainment market continues to assert itself on the global stage. “Korea’s management system still hasn’t properly developed a specialized agency system,” Kang remarked, noting that the time has come for a significant upgrade in the care and support available to artists.
KHS Agency aims to implement a “one-stop strategic care” approach, inspired by the comprehensive “total talent management” style used by prominent U.S. agencies. This model encompasses not just talent scouting and training, but also critical services such as contract negotiation, brand strategy, legal advisory, international expansion, and crisis management.
Kang highlighted a common pitfall in the industry, wherein artists often find themselves navigating challenges alone once they achieve fame. “Once an artist becomes famous, they’re often left to figure things out on their own,” he explained. Launched in July, KHS Agency draws from Kang’s extensive network of legal professionals, bringing together experts well-versed in the entertainment sector to support artists effectively.
Emphasizing the need for evolution in the agency model, Kang pointed to Hollywood as a benchmark. In the U.S., agent qualifications are regulated, providing a framework that has not yet established itself in South Korea. “Our industry here has grown significantly in quantity, but we haven’t yet set up the right systems or rules,” he noted.
The pressures of fame in Korea, compounded by the rapid spread of information online, pose unique risks for celebrities. “In the Korean market, scandals and rumors can go viral quickly, often leaving celebrities scrambling for a response without professional guidance,” Kang observed. To address this issue, KHS Agency has developed an in-house risk management team equipped with AI technology, poised to monitor online activity and detect potential crises early.
Kang views crisis management as a specialized field that requires distinct expertise—one that has not been prioritized in Korea’s entertainment landscape. His background as a seasoned attorney allows him to offer insights that can help celebrities navigate difficult situations. “The celebrity isn’t left to handle it alone,” he said, stressing the importance of professional support in such times.
Years of experience negotiating with foreign platforms have also informed Kang’s vision for KHS Agency. He noted that the process of contract negotiation must extend beyond mere signing, as effective management during and after a project is critical. “After contracts are signed, there’s often a lack of oversight in managing the project and distributing profits,” he said, asserting that many agencies in South Korea tend to disengage too early.
KHS Agency aims to ensure that its talent is not treated merely as “foreign talent” in unfamiliar settings. “We’ll stay involved as strategic overseers,” Kang asserted, emphasizing his commitment to protecting artists’ interests and securing equitable, long-term outcomes.
This innovative agency could signify a turning point in the South Korean entertainment industry, offering comprehensive support to artists who are too often left to navigate challenges alone.
This article was automatically generated by Open AI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by emailing contact@publiclawlibrary.org.