Top comedian Yoo Jae-suk becomes Antenna Music's third-largest stakeholder
이 글자크기로 변경됩니다.
(예시) 가장 빠른 뉴스가 있고 다양한 정보, 쌍방향 소통이 숨쉬는 다음뉴스를 만나보세요. 다음뉴스는 국내외 주요이슈와 실시간 속보, 문화생활 및 다양한 분야의 뉴스를 입체적으로 전달하고 있습니다.
Yoo Jae-suk, arguably the biggest television celebrity in Korea, has become the third-largest shareholder of his entertainment agency, Antenna Music, according to news reports Monday.
He reportedly bought a 20.7 percent stake in the unlisted firm from its largest shareholder, Kakao Entertainment, for 3 billion won ($2.3 million) on Jun. 9.
In a separate deal, Antenna CEO Yoo Hee-yeol has acquired a 21.37 percent stake in the firm.
With the transactions, Kakao’s shareholding in Antenna fell to 57.93 from 100 percent. Kakao in 2021 had taken over the firm from its founder and current CEO Yoo Hee-yeol for 10 billion won.
Antenna Music, founded by the veteran singer-songwriter in 1997, started off as a music label but has since grown into a full-fledged talent management agency, now representing a plethora of musicians and artists, including Mijoo, Lucid Fall, Kwon Jin-ah, Sam Kim, Lee Jin-ah, Jung Seung-hwan and Jukjae. The comedian Yoo Jae-suk, however, is by-far the biggest name under its management.
Industry sources said Yoo Jae-suk’s equity purchase signals his intention to participate in Antenna’s management, particularly in its content-related business.
It marks the first time the comedian has made a strategic investment in an entertainment agency.
Antenna’s entertainment studio, Antenna Plus, recently opened a YouTube channel, dubbed “Ddeun Ddeun,” to produce various music and entertainment content. Yoo currently hosts one of its programs, “Pinggyego,” a talk show that features top celebrities.
By Choi Jae-hee(cjh@heraldcorp.com)
Copyright © 코리아헤럴드. 무단전재 및 재배포 금지.