So the dominate companies within the kpop scene has changed considerably over the last three decades of kpop existence. Here is the general outlook,
1998-2006: SM Entertainment, DR Music, and DSP Media
The early 2000s were basically dominated by SM with JYPE and YGE slowly rising
2007-2018: SME, YGE, JYPE - Golden Age of Big 3
2018-Present: HYBE, SME, JYPE, YGE - Big 4
2030: ?
With HYBE recently acquiring large shares in SM and looking to get maybe 40% of the shares, it might not be impossible that a future exits where SM becomes a subsidiary of Hybe in a few years. YGE has been in a bit of a rough patch surviving probably only due to the massive success of BP. If they leave this year (unlikely) it could be terrible for YGE. JYPE is pretty stable with a very popular 3rd gen group and a strong 4th gen that dominates sales and overseas popularity.
What do you think the kpop scene will look like in 2030? Which will be the big companies then? Do you think any company could rise similar to HYBE?