Banana Culture
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Predecessor | Yedang Sound, Yedang Entertainment, Yedang Company, Wellmade Yedang |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Byun Dae-yun (Byun Doo-seop) |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Fate | Shutdown |
| Headquarters | Seoul , South Korea |
| Parent | Banana Culture Music (Chinese company) |
Banana Culture Entertainment (), commonly referred to as Banana Culture, operated as a South Korean entertainment firm and was a subsidiary of the Chinese company Banana Culture Music. News of its shutdown surfaced on March 25, 2020.
History
The company originated in 1984 under the name Yedang Planning, established by Byun Dae-yun (also known as Byun Doo-seop). It was incorporated as Yedang Sound in 1992, then underwent a rebranding to Yedang Entertainment in 2000. In 2010, it adopted the name Yedang Company.
In March 2014, Yedang Company was acquired by Wellmade StarM and subsequently renamed Wellmade Yedang. During the same year, the girl group EXID joined the roster following the acquisition of their previous label, AB Entertainment. Additionally, producer Shinsadong Tiger transitioned to Wellmade Yedang, maintaining his production role for EXID.
By December 2015, Wellmade Yedang dissolved, allowing Yedang to regain its independence. A year later, after merging with Banana Culture Music, the company rebranded as Banana Culture, reviving the original branding under the stewardship of founder Byun Doo-seop's family.
Although reports in March 2020 indicated the company was closing—highlighted by staff departures and EXID's exit—the CEO refuted these claims, emphasizing ongoing Chinese investment and continued management of artists such as TREI. Nevertheless, following TREI's disbandment, Banana Culture's official website was taken offline.
Soloists
- Shin Zisu
- Lee Youjin
Actors/Actresses
- Lee Jung Hyun (2017–present)
- Ha Seung Ri (2017–2020)
Former recording artists
- Seo Taiji and Boys (1992–1996)
- Deux (1993–1995)
- Tim (2005–2006)
- C-Clown (2012–2015)
- EXID (2014–2020)
- Sung Eun (2015–2020)
- TREI (2019–2020)
Former actors/actresses
- Lim Ju-hwan (2004–2011)