KeyEast
South Korean agency founded by Bae Yong-joon.
KeyEast (Korean: 키이스트; stylized in all caps) is a talent management agency established by actor Bae Yong-joon. In May 2009, the company acquired Japanese firm Digital Adventure Inc., which was later renamed Stream Media Corporation following SM Entertainment’s acquisition of KeyEast. KeyEast moved into television production in December 2010 with the drama *Dream High*, and expanded into China in 2012. In March 2022, it acquired a 31.58% stake in production company Studio flow. Later that year, after board approval on August 9, KeyEast merged with Oboi Project Co., Ltd., completing the process following a September 14 board resolution and public notice to shareholders.
Quick Facts
- Former Name
- Korea Co., Ltd.
- Traded As
- 054780 (November 14, 2003)
- Industry
- Entertainment
- Predecessor
- <!-- or
- Successor
- Auto Wintech (오토윈테크)
- Founded
- 1996-10-08 / (as Tune com Korea Co., Ltd. (한국툰붐 주식회사))
- Founder
- Bae Yong-joon
- Hq Location
- 5th floor, KeyEast, 96 Road 26, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam District
- Hq Location City
- Seoul
- Hq Location Country
- South Korea
- Area Served
- Asia · Worldwide
- Key People
- Bae Yong-joon (chairman)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
KeyEast was founded by actor Bae Yong-joon. In May 2009, it acquired Japanese company Digital Adventure Inc., later renamed Stream Media Corporation after acquisition by SM Entertainment. The company entered television production in December 2010 with the drama Dream High, and expanded into China in 2012. In March 2022, KeyEast acquired a 31.58% stake in production company Studio flow. Later that year, on August 9, a merger agreement with Oboi Project Co., Ltd. was approved, and the merger was completed following a board meeting on September 14, with public notice to shareholders.
Reader's Guide
KeyEast is significant as a management agency founded by a prominent actor, Bae Yong-joon, and for its strategic moves into television production and international markets. Its production of Dream High marked its entry into the drama industry, and its acquisition by SM Entertainment in 2018 linked it to one of South Korea's largest entertainment conglomerates. The company's acquisitions, including Digital Adventure Inc. and Studio flow, as well as its merger with Oboi Project Co., Ltd., illustrate its growth through corporate consolidation. KeyEast's legacy lies in its role as a bridge between acting talent management and broader entertainment production, though its specific impact on the industry is not detailed in the source.
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