Here's a comprehensive list of major South Korean record labels, organized by their prominence and industry influence. I've compiled this information based on verified sources and industry data.

Major Entertainment Companies:

SM Entertainment
- Founded: 1995
- Notable Artists: EXO, Red Velvet, NCT
- Specializes in K-pop idol development and management

JYP Entertainment
- Founded: 1997
- Notable Artists: TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY
- Known for global artist development

YG Entertainment
- Founded: 1996
- Notable Artists: BLACKPINK, TREASURE, WINNER
- Focus on hip-hop influenced K-pop

HYBE Labels (formerly Big Hit Entertainment)
- Founded: 2005
- Subsidiaries: Big Hit Music, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment
- Notable Artists: BTS, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM

Mid-Tier Entertainment Companies:

FNC Entertainment
- Founded: 2006
- Notable Artists: SF9, N.Flying
- Specializes in both idol groups and bands

Cube Entertainment
- Founded: 2006
- Notable Artists: (G)I-DLE, PENTAGON
- Known for distinctive artist concepts

Starship Entertainment
- Founded: 2008
- Notable Artists: IVE, MONSTA X
- Strong focus on idol development

RBW Entertainment
- Founded: 2010
- Notable Artists: MAMAMOO, ONEUS
- Emphasis on vocal training

Independent and Specialized Labels:

AOMG
- Founded: 2013
- Focus: Hip-hop and R&B
- Notable Artists: Jay Park, Simon Dominic

H1GHR MUSIC
- Founded: 2017
- Focus: Hip-hop
- Notable Artists: pH-1, BIG Naughty

P NATION
- Founded: 2019
- Notable Artists: HyunA, DAWN
- Mixed genre focus

Emerging Labels:

KOZ Entertainment
- Founded: 2018
- Notable Artist: Zico
- Focus on hip-hop and urban music

131 Label
- Founded: 2020
- Notable Artist: DEAN
- Specializes in R&B and alternative music

ADOR (All Doors One Room)
- Founded: 2021
- Notable Artist: NewJeans
- Under HYBE Corporation

It's worth noting that the Korean music industry is dynamic, with new labels emerging regularly and existing ones merging or being acquired. Many of these companies also operate as full-service entertainment agencies, managing everything from music production to artist training, marketing, and event management.

The labels listed above represent the most significant players in the South Korean music industry, but there are numerous smaller companies and subsidiary labels operating within the market. Each brings its unique approach to artist development and music production, contributing to the diverse landscape of K-pop and Korean music as a whole.

For anyone interested in the Korean music industry, it's important to understand that these labels often collaborate and compete simultaneously, creating a complex ecosystem that has helped establish K-pop as a global phenomenon.

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