2008–2017: Expansion
In 2008, BH Entertainment merged with Byulnan Actors,[21] transferring the management of other actors to the company, including Han Chae-young, Jin Goo, and Bae Soo-bin. This expanded the company's management to approximately ten celebrities.[20][22] Alongside this, the company was actively scouting for new artists to sign, such as Hyun Jyu-ni and Hong Ah-reum.[23][24]
In 2009, BH Entertainment would begin to establish itself as an agency housing top stars[25] with the success of its current artists[26] and by signing exclusive contracts with popular actress Kim Min-hee, who was gaining traction overseas,[27] and then-rising actress Han Hyo-joo.[28]
In 2011, CEO Son Seok-woo discussed BH Entertainment's rapid success, emphasising a customised management system for their artists' individual needs. He cited the company's current plans to not exceed the management of ten artists in ensuring quality over quantity in their specialised management of their actors.[29]
On November 6, 2011, Apex Law Firm announced that they had signed a legal advisory contract with BH Entertainment.[30]
On September 24, 2012, BH Entertainment announced that they would be producing the stage play adaptation of Lee Byung-hun's recently released film Masquerade, with it set to open on February 23, 2013, at Dongsoong Art Center's Dongsoong Hall in Seoul. This marked the company's first production project.[31][32] Later that year, BH Entertainment secured their highest profile artist yet, signing an exclusive contract with actress Han Ga-in, who was being highly sought out by numerous entertainment agencies with the expiration of her previous agency's contract.[33] The company would continue to acquire many in-demand[34] and notable celebrities, including Han Ji-min[35] and former Wonder Girls member Ahn So-hee.[36]
In 2014, concerns about the state of the company's future began to arise with the company seemingly being unable to retain its artists through contract renewals. This was exacerbated with comparisons to actor Bae Yong-joon's KeyEast, who was finding success in contract renewals with its top stars. Many notable actors had left BH Entertainment at the expiration of their contracts, including Han Chae-young, Go Soo, Kim Min-hee, and Ahn So-hee.[37][38] Fortunately, they were able to maintain top actresses Han Hyo-joo, Han Ga-in, and Han Ji-min, alleviating looming concerns about the company's management.[39] Artists who had previously left the company, Go Soo and Ahn So-hee, would eventually re-sign with the company.[40][41]
In 2017, BH Entertainment would focus on expanding their management to artists from other Asian countries. On September 27, 2017, they announced that they had signed an exclusive contract with Yu Xiaoguang, their first Chinese artist.[42] The following month, they signed a contract with their first Japanese artist, Erika Karata.[43] That same year, BH Entertainment signed a content production agreement with Sony Pictures Television for the United States and Asia. From the agreement, BH Entertainment stated plans to partake in active content businesses through its collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, such as remakes of works between the two countries and producing original dramas in the overseas content market. This agreement was set to make BH Entertainment a key player in the domestic and international media industry and help them make active and aggressive global advancements as a company.[44]
