Seoul, September 12, 2025 – RBW, the parent company of WM Entertainment, has reacted to mounting internal pressures by removing long-time CEO Lee Won-min after 17 years as CEO. after 17 years of service as a CEO. Lee was the founder of WM Entertainment in 2008 and was intimately involved in the success of popular idol groups like B1A4 and Oh My Girl. Now WM Entertainment is struggling with internal problems that will require wide scale changes.
Lee’s exit was likely triggered by ongoing issues of difficult management and declining profitability, and this likely foreshadows the start of some type of upheaval at one of South Korea’s largest entertainment agency.
WM Entertainment’s Journey and CEO Lee Won-min’s Legacy
In 2008, WM Entertainment was the brain-child of Lee Won-min. His involvement was instrumental in the development of the agency from the very beginning. WM Entertainment produced many idol groups while establishing itself in the K-pop world between 2009 and 2012 (as examples B1A4, Oh My Girl, ONF, etc.) In 2021, RBW acquired a stake of over 80% of shares and became WM Entertainment’s parent company. RBW has permitted WM to uphold its own label/institute, but there will be a significant change when Lee Won-min leaves the company.
Why CEO Lee Won-min Was Dismissed by RBW
Industry sources have indicated that RBW highlighted falling profitability and management struggles as the main factors leading to the dismissal of CEO Lee Won-min. The reports stated, in addition to those reasons, there were at least one conflict over the formation of a new idol group Gil-nam, in addition, that Lee and RBW had differing visions. Also, the trend of a declining entertainment industry added significant pressure to management and eventually led to the decision to reorganize WM Entertainment’s management.
Internal Turmoil and Organizational Shake-Up at WM Entertainment
The sudden ousting of CEO Lee Won-min has led to mass chaos at WM Entertainment. There is talk that multiple top executives from the company’s various artists’ management companies have also left during this transition as well, Though the depth of the turmoil inside the company is concerning, WM Entertainment will overcome adversity in time.In a proactive response, RBW is apparently now ready to implement their management reforms and oversight direction within the company.
RBW Appoints Kim Jin-woo as WM’s New Leader
With the departure of Lee Won-min, leadership responsibilities at WM Entertainment have transitioned to RBW co-CEO Kim Jin-woo. WM’s management is being reorganized through RBW, which reflects direction from the parent company’s strategy and vision. This change signifies a shift as WM prepares for leadership and organizational changes.
WM Entertainment’s Idol Roster Amid Leadership Changes
WM Entertainment is responsible for the management of several idol groups including B1A4, Oh My Girl, ONF, and Youthsphere. Most recently, singer Lee Chae-yeon, a former member of IZ*ONE, chose to end, or terminate, her exclusive contract with the agency. After Lee Chae-yeon’s departure, WM reported that they are willing to manage her ongoing schedules to ensure a more smooth transition for the artist.
Experts Weigh In: WM Entertainment’s Future Under RBW
Industry analysts indicate that RBW seems to be focused on ramping up performance and stabilizing management at WM entertainment. These management changes have now been put in place by RBW, so everyone’s focus is on the future group launches and projects, as fans and industry observers wait to see how this affects WM’s ability to remain competitive in K-pop.
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Conclusion
WM Entertainment is in a moment of transition with leadership changes and organizational restructuring. Fans and industry professionals will be observing how the agency will operate under RBW, as well as what the future may bring for its popular idol groups as well as new talent.
