A new breed of entertainment
In a headline-grabbing move, BIGWHALE Entertainment and actor Cho Hansun‘s pet lifestyle company BigFriends have officially merged. The newly formed company will operate under the name BigFriends—doubling down on its mission to lead innovation in both K-entertainment and Korea’s multi-billion-dollar pet industry.
From red carpets to puppy runs
BIGWHALE has long been home to powerhouse talents like Jung Man-sik, Kim Byung-chun, and “PRODUCE48” alumna Hong Yeji. With its strong footing in the drama and film scene, the talent agency brought showbiz expertise to the merger table.
On the other end of the leash, BigFriends is known for its unique concept: blending pet care with innovative media. Their pet-dedicated channel DOGTV already airs in Korea, setting tails wagging across the country.
Beyond bones and scripts
“Entertainment and pets. Who knew the combo could be this cute and strategic?” an industry insider quipped.
Fans and pet parents are already marking their calendars. On October 19, BigFriends will host its second Yangju Pet Culture Festival, charmingly dubbed By Mongnyang Market. Expect a mash-up of fur, fanfare, and celebrity paw-parazzi in what’s shaping up to be Korea’s fluffiest entertainment event.
Sit. Stay. Stream.
Analysts point to the rising synergy between K-entertainment and lifestyle brands as a sign of things to come. With the Korean pet care market projected to surpass 6 trillion KRW by 2027, BigFriends is barking up a profitable tree. Combining it with star power? Genius move.
As the lines blur between entertainment and lifestyle, BigFriends may be ushering in a new genre: K-petainment.
