Monday 22 April 2013

A Global Entrepreneur - Hyun-suk Yang






Hyun-suk Yang is a singer, song writer turned multi-million dollar music executive and owner of the most profitable entertainment agency in his home country, South Korea. To put him in a familiar present day context, he is the founder and CEO of the record label behind the wildly popular Gangnam Style artist Psy. Hyun-suk Yang stands today as one of the most influential men in the Asian music market, but every man has his humble beginnings. 

Aside from his birth date (2nd, December 1969) there is very little known about Hyun-suk Yang’s early life. That is until he burst on the entertainment scene in 1991 as part of the three-man boy band Seo Taiji and Boys with the overnight sensation of their first single ‘I Know’ (Nan Arao).

The group was comprised of former heavy metal rock vocalist Seo Taiji and two backup singers/dancers Lee Joono and Hyun-suk Yang. The grup, now widely acknowledged as pioneers of the modern Korean Pop and Rap music movement, introduced the public to an entirely new sound profile. An assortment of rough raps alongside smooth vocals over midi system mixes with heavy metal undertones. The blend quickly became addictive, launching the boys into super stardom.

After five years together the group disbanded, each member going on to pursue a solo career. The band left behind a legacy of musical experimentation and diversity; a contribution that largely affected emerging acts and the face of Korean Pop and Rap music thereafter.

Hyun-suk Yang waited two years after the disbanding to establish his own entertainment agency: YG Entertainment. YG comes from Hyun-suk Yang’s alias Yang Goon. The agency started with a few artists, Hyun-suk Yang himself included, but grew to facilitate a slew of young, talented persons all with a distinct impact on their nation today.


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