K-pop entrepreneurs: 5 idols who founded successful businesses, from BTS member Jin’s Japanese restaurant Ossu Seiromushi to G-Dragon’s fashion brand Peaceminusone

Oct 19 , 2021

BTS’ Jin, G-Dragon, Jay Park and Jessica Jung all run their own businesses alongside their thriving K-pop careers. Photos: @bts.bighitofficial, @jparkitrighthere, @jessica.syj/Instagram; @MGBB88/Twitter

Known as a style icon as well as a music legend, G-Dragon’s Nike Air Force 1 sneakers – Para-noise – were so popular that they re-sold for about 60 times the original US$200 price

After her fashion line Blanc & Eclare, former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung is giving the restaurant business a go with Seoul’s new Western eatery Clareau

We all know that music artists make bank from concert tours and endorsement deals … but the savviest stars make millions from endeavours that have nothing to do with their careers in showbiz. Property investing is a popular choice, of course, while others decide to start their own companies.

So which K-pop idols are expanding their riches in the business world? Who has a fashion line, and who decided to open a restaurant? Read on to find out …

JYJ member Jaejoong’s Kave Mall

Kim Jae-joong has ventured into various businesses. Photo: @jj_1986_jj/Instagram

Kim Jae-joong is a former member of TVXQ and the vocalist of JYJ, who has also found success in going solo. The 35-year-old star is one of the richest K-pop idols, boasting an estimated net worth of around US$100 million, and is known for his side hustles such as his cosmetic brand Kii and Cafe J Holic, too.

Kim Jae-joong looking at his fans crowding around the Kave Mall opening in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Photo: @kave_fashion/Instagram

In 2017, Kim made headlines when he opened Kave Mall in Shibuya, Tokyo. Although the five-storey building appears to have since closed, when it was still running, it housed Kim’s various businesses such as Cafe de Kave and Lounge Kave, as well as a selection of Korean brands that he curated.

In a 2017 interview with Japanese magazine Josei Jishin, Kim shared that he had planned the business for two years and contributed to the mall’s whole design, from the interior to the tableware.

Its grand opening was a big success, and Kim expanded his business by opening Kave Cafe in Osaka in 2019. Many of his fans showed up when the star made an appearance at the opening event.