FNC Entertainment

FNC Entertainment Co., Ltd. is a South Korean entertainment company founded in 2006 by Han Seong-ho, a singer, lyricist, and record producer.^[1][2] The company specializes in artist management, music recording and production, concert promotions, and content creation, including albums, dramas, movie soundtracks, and distribution of entertainment media.^[3][2] Originally established as FNC Music under Mnet Media, FNC Entertainment expanded from a record label focused on boy bands to a full-service agency managing musicians, actors, and comedians.^[4] It went public on the KOSDAQ in 2017 and maintains its headquarters in Seoul's Gangnam district.^[1] Key executives include co-CEOs Han Seong-ho (founder) and Kim Yu-sik (Chairman).^[2] The company has developed a global presence through subsidiaries like FNC Entertainment Japan and partnerships for international artist promotions.^[5] FNC Entertainment is known for launching influential K-pop acts, starting with early successes like FT Island and CNBLUE, which helped establish its reputation in the music industry.^[4] Its current roster features prominent groups and soloists such as P1Harmony, SF9, N.Flying, AxMxP, AMPERS&ONE, and solo artist Jung Yong-hwa.^[6] The agency emphasizes multifaceted artist development, blending music with acting and variety show appearances to broaden their appeal.^[4]

History

Founding and early years

FNC Entertainment was established on December 14, 2006, by South Korean singer, lyricist, and record producer Han Seong-ho as FNC Music, initially operating as a subsidiary of Mnet Media.^[7] The company was founded with a vision to nurture musical talent in the competitive South Korean entertainment industry, leveraging Han's background in music production. The acronym "FNC" derives from "Fish and Cake," a reference to the biblical miracle of the loaves and fishes, which symbolizes abundance, sharing, and provision from limited resources.^[8] This etymology reflects Han Seong-ho's devout Christian faith and his aspiration for the company to foster creative prosperity and communal success in the arts. Headquartered in Seoul's Gangnam district, FNC Music concentrated its early operations on penetrating the domestic market through targeted artist development.^[9] In its formative years, the company emphasized music production and comprehensive artist training programs, with a particular initial investment in developing rock bands to differentiate within the K-pop landscape.^[10] This focus aligned with the era's growing interest in genre-blending acts that combined rock elements with pop sensibilities.^[11] The breakthrough came in 2007 with the debut of FT Island, FNC's first major act, whose release of the album Cheerful Sensibility on June 7 marked the company's entry into the K-pop and rock scenes, achieving immediate chart success and establishing a foundation for future rosters.^[12]

Expansion and key milestones

In 2012, FNC Music rebranded as FNC Entertainment to reflect its broadened scope beyond music production into full-scale entertainment management.^[13] This strategic shift allowed the company to expand its artist roster and business operations. Two years later, in October 2014, FNC Entertainment went public on the Korea Exchange's KOSDAQ market under the stock code 173940, marking a significant milestone in securing capital for further growth and establishing itself as a publicly traded entity in the competitive K-pop industry.^[14] The 2010s saw FNC Entertainment solidify its position through key artist debuts that diversified its portfolio and boosted revenue streams. Building on the international success of CNBLUE, who debuted in 2009 and achieved breakthrough hits in Japan during the early 2010s, the company launched girl group AOA in 2012, introducing a hybrid idol-band concept that gained popularity with tracks like "Miniskirt."^[15] Further expansions included the debut of boy band SF9 in 2016, emphasizing dance and performance elements from FNC's survival program, and P1Harmony in 2020, a multinational group that debuted amid the global pandemic with a cinematic narrative concept via the film P1H: The Beginning of a New World.^[15] These releases not only expanded FNC's music catalog but also enhanced its global fanbase, with P1Harmony's multilingual approach targeting international markets. Amid these musical ventures, FNC Entertainment entered the acting and variety sectors in the mid-2010s, diversifying beyond music to manage talents in television dramas and shows. This phase included signing comedians like Song Eun-yi in 2012 and actors such as Jung Yong-hwa from CNBLUE, who starred in dramas like You're Beautiful (2009) and later expanded roles, alongside emerging actors from groups like SF9's Rowoon in hits such as Extraordinary You (2019).^[16] By the mid-2010s, FNC had established dedicated divisions for these areas, producing content like variety programs featuring its artists and securing roles that cross-promoted musical careers. On the international front, FNC Entertainment established its Japanese subsidiary, FNC Entertainment Japan, in 2011 to facilitate artist promotions and local productions in Asia's largest music market.^[17] This move supported CNBLUE's Japanese activities and later debuts like Hi-Fi Un!corn. In 2016, FNC formed a strategic partnership with China's Suning Universal Media, which acquired a significant stake to co-produce content and expand into the Chinese market, including joint ventures like Hongyi Entertainment for localized idol training.^[18] Recent milestones underscore FNC's continued innovation and global outreach. In late 2024, the company announced the launch of rock band AxMxP, its first new boy group in a decade, comprising long-term trainees who performed as opening acts for FTISLAND's Asia tour before their full debut in September 2025.^[15] P1Harmony embarked on their 2025 world tour "P1ustage H: MOST WANTED," commencing in Seoul in August and extending to North America, Latin America, and Asia, showcasing their growing international appeal.^[19] Additionally, in February 2025, FNC revealed plans for the "FNC Band Kingdom 2025" concert series, featuring collaborative performances by bands like FTISLAND, CNBLUE, N.Flying, Hi-Fi Un!corn, and AxMxP across Japan, Taiwan, and other venues later that year.^[20] On November 10, 2025, FNC announced the "2025 FNC KINGDOM 10TH ANNIVERSARY - AMAZING WONDERLAND" event, a concert series scheduled for December 13–14, 2025, at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Japan, featuring multiple FNC artists to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the FNC Kingdom series.^[21] Financially, FNC Entertainment announced its consolidated Q1 2025 performance results on May 14, reflecting steady revenue from music releases, concerts, and content production amid ongoing artist activities.^[22] In Q3 2025, announced on November 13, FNC reported consolidated revenue of 29.5 billion KRW and an operating profit of 1.8 billion KRW, marking the company's best quarterly performance in seven years, fueled by a 43% year-on-year increase in music business sales from global tours and new debuts.^[23] This period highlighted the company's resilience, with contributions from global tours and new debuts supporting diversified income sources in a recovering post-pandemic entertainment landscape.

Corporate structure

Ownership and leadership

FNC Entertainment maintains a stable ownership structure dominated by its founder and key institutional investors. As of the most recent data in 2025, founder Han Seong-ho holds the largest stake at 31.5%, followed by Suning Universal Co., Ltd. at 21.2%, and Han Seung-hoon at approximately 8.2%.^[24][25] These major shareholders, including the founder's family and a prominent Chinese media entity, provide continuity amid the company's public trading status on the KOSDAQ exchange since its initial public offering in October 2014. Minor stakes from other entities, such as former investor Kakao, have diminished to negligible levels by 2025, reflecting shifts in strategic partnerships over the years.^[26] Leadership at FNC Entertainment is headed by co-CEOs Han Seong-ho, who also serves as co-founder and director, and Kim Yu-sik, who holds the position of chairman. Han Seong-ho's dual role as executive and largest shareholder underscores his ongoing influence on company direction, having returned to the CEO position in late 2022 to bolster operational oversight.^[2] The executive team further includes Gwang-il Go as executive director and Se-hun Kim in a senior role, supporting day-to-day management.^[2] The company's corporate governance framework aligns with KOSDAQ requirements for publicly traded entities, featuring a board composed primarily of insiders and independent directors to ensure balanced decision-making. Recent 2025 financial disclosures, including the Q2 earnings report, indicate no significant changes in board composition or ownership, maintaining stability amid market fluctuations.^[27] This structure has facilitated leadership-driven strategic moves, such as intensified investments in global artist promotions, which contributed to a Q2 operating profit of 900 million won driven by acts like P1Harmony and N.Flying.^[27]

Current subsidiaries

FNC Entertainment Japan, established in 2011 as a wholly owned subsidiary, specializes in managing artists for the Japanese market, with a focus on localization strategies and J-pop crossovers.^[17] The subsidiary oversees groups such as Hi-Fi Un!corn, which debuted in 2023, and solo artist Toui, who debuted in 2022, while employing approximately 20 staff members to support regional operations.^[17][5] The FNC Global Training Center serves as the company's dedicated facility for artist development, offering comprehensive programs in vocal training, dance, acting, recording, performance, and global auditions to nurture international talent.^[28] This center operates under a total entertainment training system that includes specialized courses and partnership programs aimed at discovering and cultivating future global artists.^[28] Love FNC Foundation functions as FNC Entertainment's official philanthropic arm, concentrating on social initiatives such as building education facilities in underserved countries, providing emergency aid, and supporting youth programs, including music education for teenagers in collaboration with partners like the CORTEK Cultural Foundation.^[29][30] FNC Story operates as a key content production unit, handling the creation of dramas, films, and web dramas to expand FNC's media portfolio beyond music.^[31] Complementing this, FNC B, a joint venture established in 2021 with HOW Entertainment and NHN Bugs, focuses on business development in the trot music genre, integrating album production, distribution, and management systems.^[32] FNC Production, formerly known as Genie Pictures, manages film and media investments, contributing to the company's diversified entertainment output.^[11] As of 2025, FNC Entertainment's subsidiaries collectively support the parent company's operations, with the overall entity reporting around 185 employees and trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately 88 billion KRW, though specific subsidiary revenue breakdowns are not publicly detailed beyond the Japan branch's scale.^[33][34]

Discontinued subsidiaries

FNC Entertainment has discontinued or merged several subsidiaries as part of efforts to streamline operations and refocus on core music and entertainment divisions. One notable example is FNC Add Culture, a drama production company acquired by FNC in July 2016 from NZKD One Investment Group for its content creation capabilities. In March 2018, SM Entertainment acquired a 30.51% stake in FNC Add Culture, becoming its largest shareholder and renaming it SM Life Design Group later that year to expand into lifestyle and event management. FNC fully divested its remaining shares in November 2019, effectively ending its involvement and phasing out the venture to concentrate resources on artist management.^[35][36] In 2021, FNC established FNC W as a dedicated girl group label with an initial capital of 12 billion KRW, aiming to nurture acts like Cherry Bullet and prepare new debuts in the competitive K-pop market. However, the subsidiary incurred cumulative losses of 13.6 billion KRW from its inception through 2023, prompting FNC to announce its absorption merger in October 2023, effective January 1, 2024. Assets from FNC W were integrated into FNC Production to optimize management of web content and girl group activities under the parent company. Similarly, FNC Academy, a training and education arm for aspiring artists established earlier, was also merged into the parent company effective January 1, 2024, as part of the same restructuring to eliminate redundant structures. These moves reduced accounting and legal expenses while enhancing asset efficiency, allowing FNC to redirect investments toward high-impact areas like male idol groups and established acts. The discontinuations supported a strategic shift away from diversified ventures toward core competencies in music production and acting talent development. Financially, the wind-down of FNC W and FNC Academy contributed to operational efficiencies, with FNC reporting improved loss margins in 2024 through expense controls and business consolidation. In its Q1 2025 earnings, the company noted ongoing recovery, with consolidated revenue of 11.3 billion KRW, a decrease of 38.6% year-over-year amid broader industry challenges; operating losses continued to narrow due to restructured subsidiary integrations.^[37] Overall, these actions minimized financial drag from underperforming units, enabling an actual operating profit of 900 million KRW in Q2 2025 driven by key artist activities.^[27] This recovery continued into Q3 2025, with consolidated revenue of 29.5 billion KRW and an operating profit of 1.8 billion KRW, marking the company's strongest quarterly performance in seven years.^[38]

Current artists and talents

Recording artists

As of November 2025, FNC Entertainment manages a roster of active recording artists, primarily focusing on boy bands and established soloists in the K-pop and rock genres. The agency's music division emphasizes long-term artist development, with groups participating in concerts, album releases, and international promotions.^[6][7] Key groups include:

• FTISLAND: A rock band debuted in 2007, known for hits like "Love Sick." Members: Lee Hong-gi, Lee Jae-jin, Choi Min-hwan, Song Seung-hyun (joined 2023). They remain active with digital singles and tours.^[6]
• CNBLUE: Rock band debuted in 2009, led by Jung Yong-hwa. Members: Jung Yong-hwa, Lee Jung-shin, Kang Min-hyuk. Active in Japan and Korea with albums and dramas.^[6]
• N.Flying: Rock band debuted in 2015, blending pop-rock. Members: Lee Seung-hyub, Cha Hun, Kim Jae-hyun, Seo Dong-sung, Kwon Kwang-jin. Released albums like Dearest (2023).^[7]
• SF9: Boy group debuted in 2016, known for fantasy concepts. Members: Rowoon (Kim Young-min), Zuho, Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Hwiyoung, Chani, Hyeongseop. Active with tours and EPs.^[6]
• P1Harmony: Boy group debuted in 2020, global-oriented. Members: Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, Jongseob. Released P1ece (2025).^[6]
• AMPERS&ONE: Boy group debuted in 2022 from survival show. Members: Park Han-jun, Kang Hyun-woo, Choi Min-ho, Kim Soo-jun, Kim Na-kyung, Lee Eun-sae, Oh Sung-jun. Focused on energetic performances.^[7]
• AxMxP: Boy group debuted in 2024. Members: To Be Announced in detail, but active in 2025 events like FNC Kingdom.^[6]

Soloists include Jung Yong-hwa (CNBLUE leader), active in music and acting. Recent additions: Arnon (2023), Hwang Sieun (2023), Michelle White (2023), Chuei Li Yu (2025), Kenshiro (2025).^[11]

Actors and actresses

FNC Entertainment represents a mix of idol-actors and dedicated performers in dramas, films, and variety shows as of November 2025. The agency supports dual careers, with many talents from music groups transitioning to acting.^[39] Notable current actors and actresses include:

• Jung Hae-in: Prominent actor known for D.P. (2021–2023) and Love Next Door (2024). Signed multi-year contract; active in 2025 projects like fan meetings and endorsements.^[40]
• Rowoon (SF9): Starred in The King's Affection (2021) and Destined With You (2023). Continues acting post-group activities.^[39]
• Kang Min-hyuk (CNBLUE): Roles in Entertainer (2016) and The Heirs (2013); ongoing film work.^[39]
• Kim Bo-ra: Known for SKY Castle (2018–2019) and Moonlight (2021). Active in dramas.^[39]
• Kim Jae-hyun (N.Flying): Appeared in Love Alarm (2019–2021).^[39]
• Others: Kang Seol, Kim Seo-ha, Kim Sae-yeon, Kim In-seong (SF9), Dawon (SF9), Moon Sung-hyun, Park Kwang-jae, Park Ji-won.^[39][26]

Entertainers

FNC Entertainment's entertainers division features comedians and MCs active in variety shows and broadcasting as of November 2025. The focus is on collaborative content with FNC artists.^[41] Current entertainers include:

• Moon Se-yoon: Veteran comedian on 2 Days & 1 Night and Amazing Saturday. Joined FNC in 2015.^[41]
• You Jae-feel: Comedian known for impressions and variety appearances.^[41]
• Lee Hyung-taik: MC and comedian in shows like Radio Star.^[41]
• Chung Da-eun: Female comedian in sketch comedy and talk shows.^[41]
• Jeong Ho-chul: Actor-comedian in dramas and variety.^[41]

FNC Entertainment Japan

FNC Entertainment Japan, a subsidiary established in 2011, manages Japan-based talents and promotes FNC acts in the J-pop market as of November 2025. It handles about 20 employees and focuses on local events and adaptations.^[17] Current artists include:

• Hi-Fi Un!corn: Multinational girl group debuted in 2023, blending J-pop and K-pop. Members: Ema, Cocona, Kana, Akari, Hinata. Active with singles and performances.^[17]
• Toui: Soloist debuted in 2022, focusing on J-pop tracks.^[17]
• Recent additions: Arnon (2023), Hwang Sieun (2023), Michelle White (2023), Chuei Li Yu (2025), Kenshiro (2025). The subsidiary supports FNC's global events like Band Kingdom 2025.^[11][42]

Former artists and talents

Recording artists

FNC Entertainment's former recording artists include several groups and soloists who departed the agency by 2025, often due to contract expirations, internal conflicts, or strategic restructurings that reshaped the company's music roster. These exits contributed to a significant reduction in FNC's active girl groups, prompting a shift toward boy bands and individual talents.^[43][44] AOA, a girl group that debuted in 2012 with a unique blend of pop and rock elements, saw its activities effectively halt by 2024 following the departure of all members from FNC Entertainment. The group faced challenges starting in 2020 amid a high-profile bullying scandal involving former member Jimin, which led to her exit and an indefinite hiatus for the unit; subsequent contract non-renewals accelerated the process, with key members like Seolhyun leaving in 2022 after a decade with the agency. By mid-2024, remaining members such as Hyejeong (2023) and Chanmi (2024) had also parted ways due to expired contracts, leaving no active lineup under FNC and marking the end of AOA's promotions. Post-departure, several ex-members pursued solo careers in acting or music independently, highlighting the scandal's lasting impact on group cohesion and FNC's management of female artists.^[45][44] Cherry Bullet, formed in 2019 as a vibrant girl group emphasizing colorful concepts and synchronized performances, officially disbanded in April 2024 after five years, with four members terminating their contracts with FNC. The decision stemmed from differing career aspirations and a restructuring within the agency, as promotions had been inconsistent despite releases like their 2023 EP Dally. Members Haeyoon, Jiwon, Remi, and May left to explore independent paths, while the group as a whole ceased activities; this exit reflected broader challenges in FNC's girl group strategy, leading to a streamlined roster focused on established acts. The disbandment underscored the agency's pivot away from underperforming units, allowing remaining talents to transition to solo endeavors.^[43][46] PRIKIL, FNC Japan's first girl group under the label's Japanese subsidiary, debuted in 2022 through the survival show Who Is Princess? but silently disbanded in early 2025 amid minimal promotions and operational shifts. Comprising members like Nana, Rin, and Yukino, the five-piece unit targeted the J-pop market with upbeat tracks but saw limited success, leading to contract expirations without renewal announcements; by mid-2025, their official profiles were removed from FNC's sites, signaling a full exit. This closure highlighted FNC's challenges in expanding internationally, resulting in the subsidiary refocusing on select projects rather than new debuts.^[47] Among soloists, Juniel, who debuted in 2011 with her folk-pop single "Illa Illa," left FNC Entertainment in January 2016 upon the expiration of her contract, citing a desire for more creative control after modest chart success. The amicable split allowed her to join C9 Entertainment, where she continued releasing music like the 2017 EP Ordinary Things, but her departure early in FNC's expansion era pointed to mismatches in promotional support for non-group artists.^[48][49] These departures, driven by a mix of scandals like AOA's internal issues and routine contract non-renewals, prompted FNC to restructure its recording artist lineup, emphasizing sustainability over rapid group launches and briefly referencing rebrands among select former members in ongoing current rosters.^[50]

Actors and actresses

FNC Entertainment has seen several notable actors and actresses depart over the years, often due to contract expirations and mutual agreements to pursue independent paths or new opportunities in the industry. One prominent example is Kim Seol-hyun, a former member of the girl group AOA, who left the agency in October 2022 after a decade-long tenure. Her departure followed amicable discussions as her exclusive contract concluded, allowing her to shift focus toward her acting career.^[51][44] Seol-hyun's time at FNC significantly bolstered the agency's acting portfolio, with standout roles in projects like the films Gangnam 1970 (2015) and The Bad Guys (2019), as well as dramas such as Orange Marmalade (2015) and My Country: The New Age (2019). Post-departure, she signed with IEUM HASHTAG to prioritize acting, appearing in Love and Leashes (2022) and the Disney+ series Lighting Store (2024), before moving to The Present Company in October 2025 for upcoming works including the Netflix series Show Business. Her exit exemplifies a trend among dual-talents seeking greater autonomy in acting endeavors.^[51][52][53] Other departures include actress Yoon Jin-seo, who ended her seven-year association with FNC in February 2020 upon contract expiration, enabling her to explore independent management. During her stint, Yoon contributed to FNC's dramatic offerings through roles in The World of My 17 (2020) and earlier films like Oldboy (2013), enhancing the agency's reputation for supporting versatile performers. She continued her career post-FNC with appearances in various independent projects, maintaining her status as a respected supporting actress.^[54] Similarly, actor Kwak Dong-yeon parted ways with FNC in June 2020 after his contract concluded, subsequently signing with H& Entertainment to advance his rising profile. At FNC since 2012, he gained recognition for supporting roles in Love in the Moonlight (2016) and It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), helping diversify the agency's talent pool beyond music. Following his exit, Kwak starred in high-profile series like Vincenzo (2021), solidifying his transition to lead opportunities.^[55][56] Actor Jo Jae-yoon, who joined FNC in 2014, left around 2019 to align with Allbit Entertainment, reflecting a desire for specialized representation in his veteran career. His contributions included memorable villainous turns in dramas like Empress Ki (2013, pre-FNC but continued momentum) and The Chaser (2012), adding depth to FNC's ensemble of character actors. Post-departure, he has sustained a steady workload, including roles in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (2025). These exits, primarily driven by contract ends and agency shifts from the mid-2010s to 2024, underscore FNC's role in nurturing talent that later thrives independently, while highlighting the fluid nature of South Korean entertainment contracts.^[57] Minor actors and actresses, such as Lee Chae-yun (departed 2023) and Huh Ji-won (departed 2024 amid Cherry Bullet's disbandment), also ended their tenures through routine contract terminations, often to pursue solo acting or other ventures. Their involvement in projects like youth dramas and idol-actor crossovers enriched FNC's early acting endeavors before these transitions. Overall, these former talents left a legacy of expanding FNC's influence in the acting sphere, with many achieving sustained success elsewhere by 2025.

Entertainers

FNC Entertainment has seen several entertainers depart over the years, primarily due to contract expirations or personal career adjustments, with notable exits occurring between 2016 and 2021. These individuals, often comedians and variety show hosts, contributed to the agency's presence in South Korean broadcasting during their tenures by participating in popular programs that highlighted FNC's expanding roster of non-musical talents.^[58][59][60] Comedian Song Eun-i, who joined FNC in 2012, left the agency in September 2019 upon the expiration of her contract, allowing her to pursue independent projects amid her established career in variety entertainment. During her seven-year stint, she appeared in numerous shows, bringing her signature humor to segments that often featured FNC artists, enhancing the company's visibility in comedic formats. Her departure was amicable, reflecting a mutual decision to end the partnership as she sought greater flexibility in her scheduling.^[58] Ji Suk-jin signed with FNC in August 2015 but terminated his contract just seven months later in April 2016, citing difficulties adapting to the agency's structured system after years of independent work. As a veteran MC known from programs like Running Man, his brief time at FNC involved hosting roles that aligned with the company's push into variety content, though his exit underscored challenges in integrating established solo entertainers. This early departure highlighted FNC's evolving management approach during its expansion phase.^[59] In October 2021, comedians Jeong Hyeong-don and Kim Yong-man both opted not to renew their exclusive contracts with FNC after six years, marking a significant shift for the agency's variety division as they transitioned to new opportunities. Jeong, who joined in 2015, had been active in shows like Weekly Idol, where he showcased FNC idols through engaging interviews and challenges, while Kim contributed to similar formats with his energetic hosting style. Their exits were attributed to career pivots toward more personalized endeavors, amid FNC's focus on music and acting talents post-2020.^[60] By 2025, FNC Entertainment reported no major departures among its remaining entertainers, with historical exits largely tied to the company's strategic shifts toward streamlining its non-idol roster and prioritizing music productions. These former talents left behind legacies in variety programming that briefly bolstered FNC's cross-media presence.

Productions and works

Discography

FNC Entertainment's discography reflects its evolution from rock-oriented releases in the late 2000s to a blend of K-pop and hybrid genres by the mid-2010s, with major acts contributing to over a decade of output across albums, EPs, and singles. Early dominance in rock came through bands like F.T. Island and CNBLUE, establishing the label's reputation in live instrumentation and band formats, before shifting toward idol group dynamics with SF9 and P1Harmony, incorporating electronic and pop-rock elements.^[61][62] F.T. Island, debuting in 2007 with the album Cheerful Sensibility, has released more than 10 studio albums and numerous mini-albums by 2025, including key works like Zapping (2019), Serious (2024), and Instinct (2025), maintaining a core rock sound with punk and ballad influences.^[63] CNBLUE followed in 2010 with Bluetory, building an extensive catalog of 11 studio albums and 15 EPs through 2025, such as First Step (2011) and X (2024), featuring international editions tailored for Japanese audiences to capitalize on the band's dual-market appeal.^[64][65] Later groups diversified the label's sound into K-pop hybrids. SF9, since their 2016 debut with Hot Sauce, has produced four studio albums and 15 EPs by 2025, including First Collection (2020) and Love Race (2025), blending dance-pop with rock undertones. P1Harmony, debuting in 2020 with Disharmony: Stand Out, released multiple mini-albums tied to their world tours, such as the 8th mini DUH! (2025) and English album EX (2025), aligning with the P1ustage H: Most Wanted tour for enhanced global promotion.^[66] N.Flying contributed to the rock legacy with multiple mini-albums and albums through 2025, like So, Communication (2020), Dearest (2022), and Everlasting (2025), before the label's focus broadened.^[67][68] Newer acts like AMPERS&ONE and AxMxP added to the 2025 output, with AxMxP debuting in September with their mini-album featuring "I Did It," expanding the rock-K-pop hybrid. Collective outputs include label compilations and soundtrack contributions, such as the Heartstrings OST 2 (2011) featuring various FNC artists, with tracks integrated into popular dramas for cross-media synergy. By 2025, FNC's music division achieved significant growth, with Q1 2024 album sales surpassing 60% of the prior year's total and overall revenue increasing by 14 billion KRW year-over-year, driven by releases from SF9, P1Harmony, and newer acts.^[69][70][71]

Filmography

FNC Entertainment began venturing into film and television production in the mid-2010s, establishing production arms like FNC Production to handle content creation alongside its artist management. This expansion allowed the company to produce original dramas and variety shows while integrating its talents into broader visual media projects. By 2025, FNC has contributed to over 20 drama series and more than 10 variety shows through direct production or artist starring roles, emphasizing youth-oriented narratives and idol crossovers.^[72][31] Key milestones include the company's debut in broadcast dramas with Who Are You: School 2015 in 2015, a youth mystery series co-produced with KBS that highlighted FNC's shift toward scripted content. Subsequent productions encompassed web dramas like Click Your Heart (2016) and Netflix's My Only Love Song (2017), the latter featuring FNC artists such as Lee Jong-hyun and Gong Seung-yeon in a time-travel romance. In variety programming, FNC Production delivered hits like Mr. House Husband (KBS 2TV, 2016), Carefree Travelers (JTBC, 2018), and Idol Room (MBC every1, 2018–2021), blending celebrity interactions with comedic formats.^[73][74][75] Artist involvements have amplified FNC's filmography, with actors like Rowoon (SF9) leading in high-profile dramas such as Extraordinary You (2019) and The King's Affection (2021), and Jung Hae-in appearing in acclaimed series like D.P. (2021–2023). Bands have crossed over into cinematic works, exemplified by the 2020 sci-fi film P1H: The Beginning of a New World, a promotional production introducing P1Harmony through a dystopian storyline. Post-2020, FNC accelerated expansion via strategic partnerships and investments, including a 2016 commitment of 6.2 billion won to drama production, solidifying its role in Korea's content ecosystem.^[76][77]

Filmography details

Drama series

FNC Entertainment has produced several drama series, often featuring its actors and aligning with youth-oriented narratives.

• Lingerie Girls' Generation (2017, KBS2): A coming-of-age story about young women working in a lingerie factory, exploring themes of friendship and self-discovery.
• Run On (2020, JTBC/Netflix): A romantic comedy-drama following a former track star, a sports translator, and a subtitle translator, emphasizing personal growth and relationships.
• Jinx (2021, KakaoTV): A short-form romantic drama about a woman who brings bad luck to those around her, starring SF9's Rowoon.
• Spring of Youth (2025, SBS): An upcoming youth drama focusing on personal aspirations and challenges in contemporary South Korea.

Earlier efforts include Thank You, My Son (2015, MBC), a family melodrama addressing social issues.^[78]

Variety shows

FNC Entertainment has expanded into variety show production through its subsidiary FNC Production, established to create interactive entertainment content featuring idols and comedians. In 2016, the company announced a strategic focus on producing variety programs for broadcast and online platforms, aiming to leverage its artist roster for engaging formats.^[72] FNC artists frequently appear on variety programs, contributing to their public personas through games, challenges, and interviews. Comedian Moon Se-yoon, signed to FNC since 2016, has become a prominent host, serving as a fixed member on 2 Days & 1 Night (KBS2, 2019–present), where he participates in physical missions and comedic banter, and Amazing Saturday (tvN, 2017–present), a word-guessing game show that has solidified his reputation as a versatile entertainer.^[79] Idol groups under FNC have made notable guest appearances on idol-focused variety shows, showcasing choreography and group dynamics. For instance, N.Flying featured on JTBC's Idol Room in 2019, performing covers and engaging in playful segments, while FTISLAND's Lee Hong-ki made a surprise cameo to support them.^[80] Similarly, rookie group AMPERS&ONE debuted on Weekly Idol (MBC every1, 2023 episode), dancing to hits from BTS, SEVENTEEN, and others in a high-energy format that highlighted their synchronization. SF9 has appeared multiple times on such programs, including episodes of Idol Room and Weekly Idol, where they demonstrated acrobatic performances and fan interactions. These appearances align with FNC's strategy to promote groups through entertaining, non-scripted media.^[81] By 2025, FNC continued emphasizing variety content tied to live events, with no major new productions announced but ongoing artist participations in established shows. For example, bands like FTISLAND and CNBLUE integrated variety-style segments into their Band Kingdom 2025 concert series, featuring interactive fan games and behind-the-scenes specials. This approach maintains FNC's role in blending music promotion with entertainment formats.^[82]

Films

FNC Entertainment entered the film production space with its inaugural feature, P1H: The Beginning of a New World (2020), a science fiction adventure directed by Jeong Ji-hoon that served as the cinematic debut for its boy group P1Harmony. The film follows six young protagonists scattered across different timelines who must unite to combat a devastating virus threatening Earth, blending dystopian themes with youth empowerment narratives to align with the group's conceptual universe. Produced entirely by FNC, it featured the P1Harmony members—Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob—in lead roles, alongside cameos from established FNC artists such as Jung Yong-hwa of CNBLUE and Seolhyun of AOA, emphasizing the company's integrated entertainment ecosystem.^[83][84] Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, P1H: The Beginning of a New World achieved notable commercial success upon its October 8, 2020, release in South Korean theaters, described as a box office smash under restrictive conditions. The film's youth-oriented storyline resonated with teenage audiences, focusing on themes of hope, collaboration, and self-discovery, while its high production values—including practical effects and a synchronized soundtrack—positioned it as a promotional vehicle for P1Harmony's global launch. Internationally, FNC expanded its reach through partnerships, streaming the film on platforms like Amazon Prime Video in regions including North America, Japan, and Southeast Asia starting in late 2020, marking an early foray into cross-border distribution for the agency's cinematic ventures.^[85][86] Beyond direct productions, FNC artists have prominently featured in theatrical films, particularly in action and thriller genres, showcasing the agency's talent development in cinema. Actor Jung Hae-in, a long-term FNC affiliate since 2013, starred in the action sequel Veteran 2: I, the Executioner (2024), directed by Lee Jung-ho, where he portrayed the intense detective Park Sun-woo in a high-stakes pursuit of a serial killer; the film became one of South Korea's top-grossing releases of the year, earning over 10 million admissions and highlighting Hae-in's transition to leading action roles. Earlier, Hae-in appeared in the historical action-drama 12.12: The Day (2023), directed by Kim Sung-su, as the military officer Oh Jin-ho during the 1979 coup d'état, contributing to its critical acclaim and box office haul exceeding 5 million viewers. These roles underscore FNC's emphasis on versatile, youth-appealing narratives in commercial cinema, with no major new film productions or artist-led releases announced by the agency as of November 2025.^[87]