
K-pop artists such as BTS and EXO, as well as BLACKPINK and Red Velvet, have taken the world by storm. If you didn't know, K-pop singers are handled by a variety of entertainment firms after years of training, with many beginnings as early as the age of 13. We've compiled a list of seven of the most important Korean music industry organizations to be aware of — read on to discover more about the businesses that represent some of your favorite K-pop acts.

Is there any place nowadays where you can't discover K-pop? With K-pop now performing at Coachella, major American and British musicians working with Korean groups, and stadium tours throughout the globe selling out in seconds, it's safe to say that K-pop has cemented its position in music and established itself as a household brand. But how did this come to be? Here's how K-pop exploded in popularity, breaking through barriers all around the world.