Who owns Hybe? The world's largest K-pop company's details explored

HYBE, the largest K-pop company in the world, gained the most attention after breaking BTS into international fame. Originally founded in 2005 as Big Hit Entertainment by Bang Si-hyuk, the company has grown into a multi-billion dollar enterprise.

Key operations of the company focus on artist collaboration, music creation, and content dissemination. The company is also involved in software publishing and food manufacturing industries. With 700+ employees, it operates in key markets namely South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.

The K-pop giant has multiple subsidiaries, including Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, and ADOR, collectively known as HYBE Labels. From BTS, LA SSERAFIM, and SEVENTEEN to Lee Hyun and Bumzu, the company is managing numerous K-pop idols and groups under its subsidiaries.

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HYBE's principle philosophies, explored

HYBE Corporation stood out among all other K-pop companies because of its unique philosophy, prioritizing personal storytelling and the connection between the artist and fans.

In May 2021, former global CEO of the company, Lenzo Yoon, said in an interview with media outlet Rolling Stone,

"Above all, the love of music and performance is most important. Given that their job is to communicate with fans through music and performance, idols cannot do so unless they’re genuine about it. Thus, authenticity is what HYBE considers as top priority for trainees and artists.”

This approach allows artists to develop their skills organically, and the biggest example of this strategy is BTS, whose members have been deeply involved in the creative process since their debut. The focus on authenticity and teamwork continues with other groups under HYBE’s umbrella, such as TOMORROW X TOGETHER and ENHYPEN, each with distinct artistic identities.

RM, the leader of BTS talked with Rolling Stone India in 2017 and highlighted the company's planning for its timeless existence.

“It’s not just like a five-year or a 10-year thing, you know what I mean? So our company knew that and they always told us about how important it is to make a world like Star Wars or Marvel [did].”

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Which K-pop groups and idols are managed by HYBE Corporation?

The company's current roster of artists spans a range of genres and talents under its current six subsidiary labels, solidifying its position as a leader in the K-pop and global music industries. The K-pop groups are:

• BTS - Big Hit Music
• TXT - Big Hit Music
• ENHYPEN - Belift Lab
• LE SSERAFIM - Source Music
• SEVENTEEN - Pledis Entertainment
• Fromis 9 - Pledis Entertainment
• TWS - Pledis Entertainment
• BOYNEXTDOOR - KOZ Entertainment
• NewJeans - ADOR
• ILLIT - Belift Lab

And the K-pop idols are:

• Lee Hyun - Big Hit Music
• Bumzu - Pledis Entertainment
• Baekho - Pledis Entertainment
• Minhyun - Pledis Entertainment
• Nana - Pledis Entertainment
• ZICO - KOZ Entertainment

BTS is central to HYBE’s success, winning major awards like the Billboard Music Awards and MTV VMAs, with music blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop, while addressing themes of self-love and social issues. TXT, which debuted in 2019, also stands out for its unique pop sound and genre experimentation, gaining attention with The Dream Chapter series and chart success.

Another group from this label, ENHYPEN is known for their polished performances and their dark, alluring concept. The 13-member group SEVENTEEN has been known for its synchronized choreography and high-energy performances.

Debuted in 2022, NewJeans has captured the world's attention with its Y2K aesthetics, catchy hooks, and sharp choreography. LE SSERAFIM is another one of their girl groups, blending pop, jazz, and electronic elements.

Soloists Minhyun and Baekho both showcase smooth vocals to K-pop fans, while Bumzu focuses on instrumental music.

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These artists, each with their unique style and talents, have helped HYBE Labels grow into one of the most powerful entertainment companies in the world. From BTS’s global dominance to the fresh sounds of NewJeans, its diverse roster is poised to continue shaping the future of the music industry.