CJ’s Lee Jae-hyun, Miky Lee spotted in LA with UMG chairman as 30-year K-pop ambitions come to life

Global music empire meets K-culture pioneer, reshaping the entertainment landscape

Lee Jae-hyun, chairman of CJ Group, and Vice Chair Miky Lee met with top executives of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company. More than a simple meeting, the encounter signals a major strategic move that could reshape the global K-pop ecosystem.

According to CJ ENM on the 20th, the historic meeting took place on the 16th local time at KCON LA 2026, which was held in Los Angeles. Lucian Grainge, UMG’s chairman and chief executive officer, attended in person, underscoring K-culture’s firmly established global standing.

The two sides held in-depth discussions about the future of the rapidly changing global entertainment industry and focused on the limitless growth potential of K-content. The talks centered in particular on the synergies that could emerge from the companies’ strong partnership as the music industry undergoes a paradigm shift that transcends national borders.

A senior CJ ENM official said, "This meeting was a symbolic moment in which CJ’s vision for the cultural business, pursued with steadfast determination for more than 30 years, intersected with its formidable global network," emphasizing its historic significance.