ESteem, a fashion content company housing model and actor Jang Yoon-ju, has signed a strategic business agreement (MOU) with 9ato Entertainment, home to actor Han So-hee, to create major synergy spanning fashion and acting.

The agreement was pursued to combine the expertise and networks of both companies to comprehensively expand the operational scope of their affiliated artists, while jointly exploring everything from discovering new talent to co-planning and casting for film and variety show content.

ESteem plans to actively support fashion, advertising, and commerce activities for artists under 9ato Entertainment as well as 935 Entertainment, which houses actors such as Namkoong Min. In addition, 9ato and 935 Entertainment will share their work casting and actor management know-how to help models and creators managed by ESteem broaden their spectrum into acting.

The nurturing of rookie artists and cooperation in video content production will also 본격화된다 (get underway in earnest). For film and video projects, the companies plan to develop new content by combining 9ato's management and planning capabilities with ESteem's fashion and visual directing expertise. Furthermore, synergy will be maximized by linking appearances of ESteem-affiliated artists such as Jang Yoon-ju.

Going forward, through collaboration with 9ato—which has recently strengthened its variety show capabilities by recruiting General Manager Kim Dong-joon, who previously served as the CEO of SM C&C—the companies will also push for ESteem artists to enter the variety show sector and jointly plan new variety programs.

Kim So-yeon, CEO of ESteem, stated, "This agreement is a starting point to connect the expertise and networks of each company, focusing on our respective strengths to create even greater synergy." She added, "By actively utilizing each other's expertise, we will expand our artists' activity opportunities and continuously create new collaboration opportunities across content and business."

Reporter Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)