As KOSPI crossed the historic 5,000-point mark, idol-focused entertainment companies emerged as one of the rally’s strongest drivers. Once you see how highly volatile due to idol comeback schedules or military enlistmentsentertainment stocks are now being revalued as long-term growth assets built around idol platforms and systems.
At the center of this transformation are idol fandom platforms. Services like those of HYBE Weverse and DearU’s Bubble they have evolved far beyond fan communication tools, becoming major revenue drivers fueled by idol-fan relationships. These platforms generate stable revenue through subscriptions, allowing fans to interact with idols and consume exclusive content year-round.
Even when physical album sales temporarily decline, the number of paying subscribers e ARPU (average revenue per user) on idol platforms it continues to have an upward trend. Unlike in the past, when revenue was largely dependent on active promotion of idols, today’s structure allows idol fandoms to continuously generate revenue through digital engagement.
The role of idols in the global market has also changed. Instead of simply exporting Korean idol groups overseas, entertainment companies are now exporting K-pop idol training and production system itself.
Major securities firms, including Hanwha Investment & Securities and Daol Investment & Securities, have highlighted the success of localized idol groups such as HYBE KATEYE and JYP Entertainment VCHA. These groups are made up of local members trained under the Korean idol system, demonstrating that K-pop is no longer limited to Korean idols or Asian audiences.
Analysts note that training and producing idols using the K-pop system allows companies to enter the mainstream markets of North America and Europe, significantly expanding their total addressable market (TAM). This shift positions idol-focused companies not just as content producers, but as global system exporters.
With idol platforms generating recurring revenue and idol systems fueling global expansion, entertainment stocks have secured their place as one of the most promising growth sectors in the KOSPI 5,000 era, marking a decisive shift from short-term, idol-dependent volatility towards sustainable, fandom-driven growth.
Sources: Sports Seoul
