Yang Hyun-suk

Career

1992–1996: Seo Taiji & Boys

Main article: Seo Taiji and Boys

Seo Taiji & Boys was formed in 1991 with Seo Taiji, Lee Juno and Yang Hyun-seok. Yang said he first met Seo when the musician came to him to learn how to dance when Yang was a dancer (Yang danced in the Korean dance crew "Spark"(which is considered the first Korean breaking dance group) and in the dancing group " and friends()"). "Blown away" by his music, Yang offered to join the group and they later recruited Lee who was one of the top dancers in Korea. The group was influential on the Korean music scene, famous for their single, "Nan Arayo" (, "I Know"). The group received criticism for some of their albums, most notably for the song, "Shidaeyugam" (, "Regret of the Times"), to which fan backlash led to the abolition of the Pre-censorship law in 1996. The group disbanded in 1996 and each member went on to pursue solo careers.

1996–2019: YG Entertainment

Main article: YG Entertainment

In 1996, he established YG Entertainment and released his first solo album which featured a song composed by Seo Taiji. This was their first collaboration since the breakup. Yang Hyun-Suk has produced hugely successful artists through his company, most notably Jinusean, 1TYM, Wheesung, Gummy, Seven, Big Bang, 2NE1, Winner, iKon, Tablo, Epik High, Lee Hi, Blackpink, Treasure, BabyMonster, and Psy.

Due to recent controversies involving the Burning Sun scandal and other allegations, Yang Hyun-suk announced his plans to step down from all of his positions at YG Entertainment, and his brother Yang Min-suk announced his decision to resign as CEO of YG Entertainment on June 14, 2019.

2019–present: Conviction and YG return

On December 22, 2022, Yang was acquitted of a charge of threatening an informant. On November 8, 2023, his acquittal for threatening the informant was overturned by the Seoul High Court, finding that he had abused his status at the company to coerce trainees into reversing police testimonies. He was sentenced to 6 months in prison, suspended for 1 year. A previous acquittal for blackmail was upheld.

In December 2023, Yang discussed his "deep involvement in every aspect of BabyMonster's production", and how the youth of the members resonated with him because he had a similarly aged daughter. In May 2024, YG Entertainment released a video featuring Yang announcing upcoming plans for BabyMonster and Treasure.

Personal life

Yang began dating former Swi.T and Moogadang member Lee Eun-ju in 2001, and they married in 2010. They have two children together, born in 2010 and 2012.

Discography

Albums

Filmography

TV Series

Accolades

Awards

State honors

Listicles

Notes

References

References

1. link. [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation]]. (April 21, 2014)
2. link. (April 21, 2008)
3. Cho, Chung-un. (March 23, 2012). "K-pop still feels impact of Seo Taiji & Boys". [[The Korea Herald]].
4. link. Xports News. (June 14, 2019)
5. link. Xports News. (June 14, 2019)
6. (December 22, 2022). "Court Rules Yang Hyun Suk Not Guilty At First Trial For Threatening Informant In Drug Case". [[Soompi]].
7. Kim, Hyun-soo. (November 8, 2023). "YG Entertainment founder gets suspended jail term for wielding coercion in attempt to conceal drug scandal". [[Yonhap News Agency]].
8. (December 31, 2023). "Yang Hyun Suk opens up about his hands-on approach to BABYMONSTER, their upcoming song, and Ahyeon's situation". [[Allkpop]].
9. (May 20, 2024). "YG Entertainment announces plans for new BABYMONSTER, TREASURE music this fall". NME.
10. (March 11, 2010). "Yang Hyun-Seok and Lee Eun-ju Dating for Nine Years". [[KBS World]].
11. (August 5, 2010). "Yang Hyun-suk and Lee eun-joo Welcomes Baby Daughter". KBS World Radio.
12. "Yang Hyun Suk". [[Melon (online music service).
13. link. [[Yonhap]]. Lee. Eun-jung. (July 23, 2009)
14. link. TV Report. (August 25, 2011)
15. link. Wstar News. (November 9, 2012)
16. (October 8, 2013). "'K팝3' 새 키워드 '공정한 경쟁' 그리고 '변화'...오디션 홍수 속 빛 발할까(종합)". TV Report.
17. (September 18, 2017). "[Oh!쎈 톡] '믹스나인' 측 "양현석 촬영? 'K팝'보다 3배 힘들 것"".
18. link. 이. 은정. (October 29, 2018)
19. "Yang Hyun-suk – Awards".
20. Hicap, Jonathan. (October 18, 2018). "BTS, Red Velvet win at Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards". [[Manila Bulletin]].
21. Yeo, Yer-im. (October 25, 2018). "BTS gets award upon their return home". [[Yonhap News Agency]]U007CpaperU007Curl-status=live.
22. Lee, Sang-won. (October 25, 2016). "Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards announces winners". [[The Korea Herald]].
23. link
24. link. Choi. Hye-seung. (October 23, 2025)