BLACKPINK's Jisoo signs global representation deal with WME

Jisoo has signed a contract with American talent agency WME for worldwide representation to support her solo activities. While she maintains her independent management through BLISSOO, the deal follows fellow BLACKPINK member Rosé's recent shift to the rival agency CAA.

BLACKPINK member Jisoo is set to expand her global activities by partnering with WME, a major American talent agency. By signing a contract for worldwide representation with WME—the agency representing global pop stars such as Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, and Rihanna—Jisoo has secured new momentum for her international expansion.

According to industry sources on the 8th, Jisoo recently signed a contract with WME to act as her agent for global activities. WME is a leading American talent agency that negotiates and manages a wide range of international activities for artists, including music, performances, broadcasting, film appearances, and global projects. This contract is expected to serve as a crucial foundation for Jisoo to expand her reach as a solo artist in the global market, including the United States.

This agreement with WME does not signify a departure from her existing management. Jisoo continues her solo activities centered around her own company, BLISSOO, and maintains a contractual relationship with the American record label Warner Records. WME will separately handle the representation of her global activities, creating a structure where she secures a professional global network while maintaining her domestic activities and independent management system.

Jisoo's contract is drawing additional attention due to the previous WME contract held by fellow BLACKPINK member Rosé. On December 11 of last year, Rosé signed a contract with WME for worldwide music representation. At the time, Lucy Dickins, then head of WME's music and performance division, expressed high expectations for supporting Rosé's solo activities, describing her as a creative artist with a voice that transcends borders and languages.

However, the collaboration between Rosé and WME encountered a variable when her representative changed roles. Lucy Dickins left WME on March 6 of this year, and on March 9 of the same month, the rival agency CAA officially announced his recruitment. Subsequently, Rosé's name appeared on CAA's roster of recruited artists, leading to a shift in the representation structure for her global activities. While Rosé, who had contracted with WME, became connected to CAA following her representative's move, Jisoo has now newly joined hands with WME.

WME is regarded as an agency that wields immense influence in the music industry. Its representative contracted artists include global pop stars such as Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Shakira, and Benson Boone. Its network, which connects global tours, performances, and various music projects, is evaluated as a vital asset for an artist's market expansion.

WME's influence is also significant in Hollywood beyond the music field. Famous actors such as Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Dwayne Johnson, and Amy Adams maintain representation with WME. Given the ability to utilize a broad human network spanning music, film, and broadcasting, Jisoo's contract carries significance beyond a simple change of agency.

As BLACKPINK members build their respective global solo paths separate from group activities, Jisoo has secured a professional support system for her overseas activities through WME. With Rosé now connected to CAA and Jisoo newly collaborating with WME, a difference has emerged in the global management strategies of the two members. As competition and recruitment battles between world-class agencies continue, attention is focused on which fields—such as music, performances, or video content—Jisoo's contract will expand into in the future.

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