It has been revealed that Shin Jae Ho, the veteran executive who previously managed actress Song Hye Kyo’s international projects, is the head of the new agency where she is settling down.
CEO Shin, the former head of the prominent domestic agency AAP, is widely known as a key partner who designed Song Hye Kyo’s multifaceted global portfolio.
On the 12th, CEO Shin officially announced, “Song Hye Kyo is establishing a shared vision for her future activities based on the long-standing trust she has built with a representative she previously worked with on overseas ventures.” He added, “We ask for your understanding that we cannot provide specific details at this time.”
Even before his tenure as the representative of AAP, Shin accumulated extensive field experience by managing practical operations for Song Hye Kyo as she built her overseas media infrastructure, particularly in China.
The entertainment industry’s attention has especially focused on the fact that CEO Shin is married to the stylist who has been responsible for Song Hye Kyo’s wardrobe for over 20 years. Reports indicate that CEO Shin and the stylist recently tied the knot. Backed by this close-knit personal network, Song Hye Kyo and CEO Shin have reportedly maintained an informal, deeply trusting relationship in their private lives.
Industry insiders interpret this profound trust as the driving force behind their sudden collaboration, which comes despite numerous high-profile market offers following the recent expiration of her exclusive contract with UAA.
Earlier this month, while still working at his previous workplace, CEO Shin maintained a cautious approach and strict secrecy regarding rumors that he was recruiting Song Hye Kyo. During a phone call with OSEN at the time, he reserved definitive answers regarding specific contract terms or the establishment of a new corporation, stating, “Since I am currently affiliated with AAP, it is difficult to give a precise answer. I will let you know if there are any changes.”
However, just two weeks after that interview, he officially resigned from AAP and immediately launched a dedicated management entity for Song Hye Kyo.
Initially, the prevailing prediction within the cultural content industry was that Song Hye Kyo would leverage her own capital to establish a one-person agency. However, during the final coordination process, they ultimately opted for an indirect partnership format. Under this arrangement, CEO Shin first established an independent legal entity to strengthen practical governance, and Song Hye Kyo signed on as the newly established management company’s flagship artist.
Ending a Beautiful 14-Year Journey of Mutual Support
With this transfer, Song Hye Kyo concludes her exclusive contract with UAA, her agency of 14 years—an exceptionally long partnership in the entertainment industry.
UAA announced in an official statement, “UAA and Song Hye Kyo, who have walked together for a long time on a foundation of mutual trust, have decided to conclude our journey and support each other’s future.”
The management team continued, “Actress Song Hye Kyo has been with UAA for a long time, receiving immense love not only in Korea but also across Asia and the world. The time spent with her will always remain a happy and joyful memory. We ask for your warm interest, encouragement, and love for Song Hye Kyo as she stands at a new starting line.”
Song Hye Kyo also bid a warm farewell, highlighting the bond built over nearly a decade and a half. “I will always cherish every moment we spent together as a precious memory in my heart,” she replied. “I sincerely wish the absolute best for UAA’s future.”
She concluded with an affectionate message dedicated to the agency head who supported her for so long, writing, “Thank you, unnie♥”.
