Entertainment powerhouse YG Entertainment is reported to be contacting a string of big name Korean actresses including Choi Ji-woo for recruitment, a local media outlet reported on Tuesday.

The veteran actress Choi Ji-woo, who recently made a comeback with the drama "Suspicious Housekeeper," held a meeting with YG Entertainment to seek a possible management contract, the local entertainment news TV report quoted several sources as saying. Insiders speculate that the meeting was the first step for the actress to join YG Entertainment.

However, both YG Entertainment and Choi Ji-woo dismissed the rumor as "speculation."

"The meeting was not official," a source close to Choi Ji-Woo told TV Report. YG official was also quoted as saying, "It is true that many actors and actresses have been showing interest in joining YG following (the recruitment of) Cha Seung-won."

YG Entertainment recently scouted top actor Cha Seung-won and a few other stars, a rare move for the entertainment powerhouse which has become known as home to numerous hip-hop musicians. 

Headed by hip-hop mogul Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment retains several popular hip-hop groups such as Big Bang and 2NE1. Its recent decision to recruit actors and actresses has been viewed by broadcast insiders as part of efforts to diversify the agency's portfolios.

By Ock Hyun-ju, Intern reporter (laeticia.ock@hearldcorp.com)