Should I buy YG Entertainment stock in 2025?

What is YG Entertainment?

How much is YG Entertainment stock?

The price of YG Entertainment stock is rising this week. As of May 27, 2025, YG Entertainment shares are trading at ₩81,000, up 0.50% over the last 24 hours and advancing 2.5% for the week. The company’s market capitalization stands at ₩1.502 trillion (about $1.09 billion), with a three-month average trading volume of 920,000 shares. The current P/E ratio is 80.72, and the dividend yield is 0.31%, while the stock’s beta sits at 1.24, indicating higher volatility compared to the general market. With strong gains this year but signs of overbought conditions, investors in PH should keep an eye on price swings and market momentum.

Our full analysis on YG Entertainment stock

Having thoroughly reviewed YG Entertainment's most recent quarterly results alongside its robust stock performance over the last three years, our analysis leverages a blend of financial metrics, technical signals, peer benchmarking, and market trends, synthesized through our proprietary investment framework. The convergence of buoyant revenue growth, strong momentum indicators, and significant strategic catalysts all point to a company undergoing dynamic transformation. So, why might YG Entertainment stock once again become a strategic entry point into the fast-evolving entertainment and tech sector in 2025?

Recent performance and market context

YG Entertainment (KOSDAQ: 122870) has experienced a meteoric rise, currently trading at ₩81,000, representing a +76.86% year-to-date performance and an impressive +82.84% gain over the last twelve months. This acceleration is further amplified by its 6-month return of +64.97%, placing YG among the best-performing stocks in its sector globally.

Several key events have underpinned this uptrend:

• BLACKPINK’s comeback and world tour announcement: The globally renowned group’s new music release and anticipated July tour have reinvigorated both fan sentiment and market expectations.
• BABYMONSTER’s rapid ascent: The rookie group’s impressive merchandise sales and sequential content rollouts (July-October singles and a mini-album) have contributed to top-line growth and longer-term engagement across Asia.
• A resurgence in merchandise revenue: Record Q1 2025 merchandise sales of ₩26 billion—well ahead of prior cycles—confirm the fruitful monetization of artist IP.
• Expansion into China: The relaxation of China’s ‘Korean Wave’ restrictions and YG’s proactive market entry are creating pathways for powerful incremental growth.

Macroeconomically, the reopening of cross-border entertainment markets in Asia, the secular rise of K-culture, and surging demand for live entertainment globally combine to support a notably favorable sector backdrop. For investors in the PH market seeking exposure to high-growth Asia-Pacific consumer trends, YG’s uniquely international profile stands out.

Technical analysis

A close examination of YG’s technical framework further bolsters the bullish narrative:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI 14): Currently at 71.27, indicating strong momentum but nearing overbought zone—a hallmark of sustained buyer demand.
• MACD (12,26): At 1418.21, robustly in buy territory and confirming momentum bias.
• CCI (14): Sitting at 91.56, suggesting continued strength.
• Williams %R: At -1.53, notes an overbought short-term state, typical for leaders during strong uptrends.
• Moving averages: The 10-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day MAs all flash buy signals, confirming the integrity of the underlying uptrend structure. Notably, the current price is well above key support levels (₩80,367, ₩79,920), with the most immediate resistance at ₩81,434 and ₩82,134—a potential breakout zone.

In summary, while the short-term may see natural consolidation after outsized gains, the technical posture strongly suggests that YG is undergoing a multi-month bullish phase, with any retracements likely to be met with sustained institutional buying.

Fundamental analysis

YG Entertainment’s fundamentals have experienced a textbook turnaround, rapidly transitioning from a challenging 2024 to a growth-centric 2025:

• Top-line growth: Q1 2025 revenue surged +15% year-on-year to ₩100.2 billion, driven by blockbusters in merchandise and heightened artist activities.
• Return to profitability: Q1 2025 operating profit rebounded to ₩9.5 billion, underscoring effective cost control and operating leverage.
• Valuation: The trailing P/E ratio of 80.72 reflects historical declines but is paired with a significant drop to a forward P/E of 26.80, indicating sharp expected earnings growth and normalization. The price/sales ratio of 3.96 and price/book of 3.08 are within sectoral norms, particularly when anchored against peer high-growth entertainment companies.
• Structural strengths:
• Global brand equity: BLACKPINK’s massive reach and viral power make YG a structural leader within the K-pop ecosystem.
• Revenue diversification: Successful expansion into merchandise, cosmetics, advertising, and production services reduces volatility and enhances earnings quality.
• Market leadership: Early moves in China and deepening IP monetization strategies strengthen YG’s position versus competitors.

YG’s strong innovation pipeline and adaptive business model provide resilience, with high-profile releases, world tours, and multiplatform engagement delivering visible upside for upcoming quarters.

Volume and liquidity

Sustained high trading volumes over recent months are emblematic of strong institutional confidence and retail participation. This liquidity—anchored by a ₩1.5 trillion market capitalization—enables dynamic price discovery, smooth execution, and supports the potential for re-rating on further positive news flow.

Moreover, YG’s manageable free float and relatively concentrated ownership structure create a fertile environment for dynamic valuation adjustments and heightened sensitivity to new operational catalysts—traits which often precede sustained price appreciation in growth sectors.

Catalysts and positive outlook

Looking forward, a compelling suite of visible and emerging catalysts underpin the positive long-term narrative for YG Entertainment:

• BLACKPINK’s 2025 comeback: New releases and the July world tour are likely to drive an outsized surge in both music and merchandise sales, as well as media and sponsorship revenues.
• BABYMONSTER and TREASURE: The staggered releases of singles, albums, and world tours from Q3 onward are projected to catalyze revenue acceleration, especially given BABYMONSTER’s popularity in China.
• Expansion into China: The mild regulatory turn in China and YG’s robust local strategy unlock potentially exponential growth in tour dates, merchandise, digital sales, and brand partnerships across Greater China.
• Topline recovery: As YG bounces back from a challenging 2024, sell-side analysts have responded by raising target prices (with a consensus average of ₩78,000 and many upgrades above current price), underlining renewed institutional conviction.
• ESG and governance: A balanced board (50% female, deep industry expertise) and transparent governance policies reflect best-in-class practices, increasingly important for institutional capital globally.

Against a backdrop of robust Asian consumer demand, regulatory tailwinds, and the ongoing digitization of entertainment platforms, YG is well-positioned at the confluence of cultural and technological megatrends.

Investment strategies

Investment scenarios

For short-term investors: With the stock trading near all-time highs yet supported by powerful catalysts (BLACKPINK tour, BABYMONSTER content), momentum strategies may find appeal in targeting breakouts above the ₩81,434–₩82,134 resistance band. Tactical entries near support (~₩80,000–₩80,400) offer risk-managed exposure to upside surprises, especially as news flow intensifies leading into Q3.

For medium-term holders: The next 6–12 months appear highly attractive, given the synchronized album release calendar across major YG artists, anticipated merchandise windfalls, and Chinese operations scaling. Analyst upgrades, coupled with accelerating earnings growth (as reflected in the sharply lower forward P/E), underscore positive risk-reward characteristics.

For long-term investors: YG’s diversified business model, entrenched global brand, and ongoing expansion into markets like China create a structural opportunity to benefit from secular K-culture growth, digital monetization, and international entertainment dynamics. While the high trailing valuation commands caution, the combination of rapid earnings normalization, deepening IP monetization, and expanding global footprint may well establish a multi-year growth runway.

Is it the right time to buy YG Entertainment?

The confluence of record-breaking recent stock performance, a sharp return to profitability, and the ramp-up of world-class growth catalysts sets YG Entertainment apart as one of the most dynamic names in the Asian entertainment tech space. The company’s consistent ability to innovate, expand, and monetize across multiple platforms justifies renewed investor interest, while the supportive technical and fundamental backdrop points to the potential for further upside.

Recent analyst upgrades, improved revenue and profit outlook, and blue-chip artist activity create a context where YG seems set to enter a new bullish phase. Although prudent risk management remains paramount, especially given some overbought technicals and the nature of artist-led revenue, the stock appears positioned at a key inflection point—offering PH investors and regional growth seekers an excellent opportunity to reengage with YG at the forefront of global entertainment innovation.

In sum, YG Entertainment appears poised to deliver outsized value for investors seeking exposure to the intersection of cultural megatrends, digital monetization, and Asia-Pacific growth. This moment in the market invites strong consideration of YG as a core holding within any diversified portfolio targeting long-term growth in the entertainment and technology sectors.

How to buy YG Entertainment stock in PH?

Buying YG Entertainment stock online has become simple and secure thanks to regulated international brokers accessible to Philippine investors. You can invest using two main approaches: spot buying (owning actual shares) or trading contracts for difference (CFDs) to profit from price movements without owning the stock. Both methods are available via user-friendly trading platforms that follow strict financial guidelines. Choosing the best option depends on your investment goals—spot buying suits long-term holders, while CFDs offer flexibility and leverage. For a detailed comparison of the leading brokers available in the Philippines, see our table further down the page.

Spot Buying

A spot or cash purchase of YG Entertainment stock means you buy real shares listed on Korea’s KOSDAQ exchange (stock code: 122870). As a Philippine retail investor, you’ll typically use an international broker offering access to Korean stocks. Fees usually include a fixed commission per order (commonly between ₱250–₱350, or ~$5–$7), plus a small currency conversion fee if funding in PHP or USD.

Example: Spot Buying

Example:
- YG Entertainment’s share price: ₩81,000 per share (approx. $59 as of late May 2025).
- With $1,000 (roughly ₱57,000), you can buy about 16 shares after accounting for a $5 brokerage fee.
Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your investment is now worth $1,100.
- Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your original stake.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on YG Entertainment’s stock price movements without owning the actual shares. You can go long (betting the price will rise) or short (if you expect a decline), and many brokers offer leverage to multiply your market exposure. CFDs involve costs such as the “spread” (difference between buy/sell price) and overnight financing fees for positions held beyond one trading day.

Example: CFD Trading

Example:
- With $1,000, you open a CFD on YG Entertainment shares with 5x leverage (market exposure: $5,000).
Gain scenario:
If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
- Result: +$400 gain on your $1,000 capital (excluding fees).

Final Advice

Before investing in YG Entertainment or any international stock, always compare brokers’ fees, platforms, and local support. Your decision should reflect whether you prefer to own shares for the long term (spot buying) or seek short- to medium-term trading opportunities (CFDs, with leverage). Make sure the broker is regulated and offers clear pricing. For Filipino investors, the right choice depends on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment style. A side-by-side broker comparison is provided below to help you decide and invest with confidence.

Our 7 tips for buying YG Entertainment stock

The latest news about YG Entertainment

BLACKPINK confirmed a 2025 comeback with new music and a massive world tour launching in July. This marks their first full-group release in nearly three years and is expected to draw even larger audiences, with concert venues reportedly targeting up to 50,000 attendees per show. The group’s immense popularity in the Philippines ensures high anticipation for both album sales and future tour stops, feeding strong regional demand for YG Entertainment’s core entertainment and merchandise lines. Such activity is poised to translate into increased revenue visibility and renewed brand engagement across Southeast Asia, with material spillover effects for the company's stock performance.

Growth momentum from BABYMONSTER boosts merchandise and streaming revenue, with a new pre-single set for July 1 and further releases through October. As YG's latest girl group, BABYMONSTER’s rapidly rising profile, demonstrated by robust tour-based merchandise sales, supports diversification of the company’s artist portfolio. Their upcoming releases, including pre-singles and a mini-album, target the heart of K-pop consumer markets, such as the Philippines, where fresh acts consistently attract devoted fan followings and broad digital engagement. This trend helps mitigate artist concentration risk while sustaining topline growth.

Q1 2025 results show a return to profitability driven by concert tours and product sales, with revenue up 15% year-on-year. The company reported ₩100.2 billion in Q1 revenue and ₩9.5 billion in operating profit, thanks to strong merchandise sales from BABYMONSTER and TREASURE, as well as investment gains. Importantly, merchandise revenue of ₩26 billion surpassed previous targets, pointing to effective monetization of YG’s intellectual property worldwide. In a market like the Philippines, where K-pop physical and digital goods maintain premium pricing and extraordinary demand, these financial results reinforce improved operational efficiency and sustained investor interest.

Analyst sentiment is strongly positive, with multiple target price upgrades and a consensus buy rating from leading brokerages. Over the past week, Nomura, Samsung Securities, and Korea Investment & Securities all raised their target prices, with consensus now averaging ₩78,000 per share—a level above recent trading prices. This bullish outlook is underpinned by expectations of continued earnings expansion as world tours ramp up and China/ASEAN market entry accelerates, underscoring the appeal of YG Entertainment stock for regional investors, including those in the Philippines seeking growth in the entertainment sector.

Strategic expansion in China following relaxed 'Korean Wave' restrictions creates new growth avenues for Asian-focused investors. YG is capitalizing on improved political and regulatory relations by restructuring its China operations and increasing BABYMONSTER’s activity there. This pivot is likely to enhance content distribution and brand reach not only in China but throughout Greater Southeast Asia, where Filipino fans regularly consume K-pop media via global platforms. Such developments increase YG’s international revenue streams and strengthen its regional market position, which is a clear positive for stockholders seeking exposure to dynamic entertainment trends across Asia.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.