Korean celebrities have been known to build businesses for themselves as they become more established in their careers; whether they start their own labels or production companies, or invest in real estate. There have been quite a few women in the Korean entertainment industry that have shown just how business savvy they can be while staying at the top of their game in the public eye. Here is a list of a few brilliant female idols and celebrities who have also made a name for themselves in the business world.

Bae Suzy

The actress and former miss A member owns Caffe Soo, which is run by her mother. She is also one of the many idols who owns a high-rise building in Seoul’s luxury district, Gangnam. Both investments have done exceedingly well, bringing in additional revenue for both Suzy and her family.

Jessica Jung

Before leaving Girls’ Generation in 2014, Jessica Jung started her fashion label Blanc & Eclare. The company now maintains multiple locations in Asia and North America and, in 2019, brought in an astounding 20 billion won in revenue. Jessica recently opened a restaurant, Clareau, in her flagship store in Korea. As far as business-minded idols go, Jessica Jung is certainly at the top.

Kim Sohye

Kim Sohye started her label S&P Entertainment, short for Shark & Penguin, while she was still promoting with I.O.I in 2016. It is an individual agency opened to manage the idol’s activities, similar to the single artist companies owned by Kang Daniel and IU. Kim Sohye, with her parents, also opened Penguin Cafe in Seoul. The idol is said to have opened the cafe as a centralized location where she can interact with her fans.

Hyolyn

Another idol who started her own single artist label, Hyolyn, opened Brid3, pronounced “Bridge,” in 2017. She created it with a team of entertainment advisors and it functions as a fully stocked agency, with filmmakers, choreographers, and producers who work closely with the idol. 

YoonA

One of the most recognizable faces in the Korean entertainment industry, Girls’ Generation member YoonA is recognized as a real estate mogul alongside Suzy and Jessica. In 2018, the idol bought a building in Gangnam for 10 billion won. 

There are plenty of other business savvy, building-owning idols who could go on this list. Especially if brand partnerships and self marketing deals were taken into account as business maneuvers. The entertainment industry is full of impressive women making just as many moves off stage as they are on.