Ko Ah-ra leaves SM Entertainment for boutique agency

Star of"Hwarang",Ko Ah-rais starting off 2017 with new representation after working under SM Entertainment since 2003. What will this signal for the actress's career?

Ko Ah-ra's new agency, Artist Company was launched in May 2016 by actors,Lee Jeong-jaeandJeong Woo-seong. The entertainment label is a fledgling one with only one other high profile signing; former 4Minute member,JiHyunjoined Artist Company in September 2016. 

The move is quite the leap forKo Ah-rawho had been with SM Entertainment since winning their Entertainment Teen Model Contest at the age of 13. She was immediately cast as the female lead in the 2003 KBS teen drama,"Sharp 1". Since her debut, she has worked steadily, always as the female lead. 

Clearly, SM Entertainment has paid attention toKo Ah-ra's career, making sure she is prominently featured in every drama she does. This begs the question of whyKo Ah-rawould leave one of the largest entertainment companies in South Korea for a boutique agency. 

Barring any shocking scandal involving the actress and SME management, I would guess thatKo Ah-raleft SM Entertainment for more challenging and mature work. SM Entertainment may be a powerhouse, but its focus is mainly on its K-pop entertainers. Singers who have crossed over to acting likeYoonaandChoi Seol-rifigure prominently in the company's stable of actors. 

In contrast, Artist Company is headed by two actors who are both critically acclaimed and popular.Lee Jeong-jae's 2010 film, "The Housemaid - 2010" screened at film festivals internationally, and his 2012 film,"The Thieves"is currently the fifth highest-grossing movie ever at the Korean box office.Jeong Woo-seongis also on the film festival circuit with films like"Asura: The City of Madness"and stars in big budget dramas like "ATHENA". 

I am impressed withKo Ah-rafor taking this initiative when her career has been so comfortable. It will be interesting to see what she does after"Hwarang".

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