History of K-Pop: HYBE Corporation

It was a successful year for K-Pop and HYBE Corporation proved to be a powerhouse in the music industry, even with BTS embarking on their two-year military service. The artists under the HYBE umbrella made waves this year and influenced the music scene on a global scale. For the final month of the year, we will be discussing the history of HYBE Corporation.

Before the HYBE Powerhouse

Founder and chairman Bang Sihyuk founded BigHit Entertainment in 2005 after working at JYP Entertainment where he earned the nickname “Hitman” for his talent for composing hit songs. In 2007, BigHit signed their first artist, vocal trio 8Eight. In 2010, BigHit and JYPE co-managed boy group 2AM. That same year, Hitman Bang signed 15-year-old Kim Namjoon to be part of a new boy group and began holding auditions nationwide, assembling the legendary BTS. After years of collaborating with different labels and managing more groups, BigHit Entertainment rebranded itself to BigHit Music, a label under their newly founded company HYBE Corporation in 2021.

BigHit's Iconic Shift

BTS debuted in 2013 with seven members using stage names RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Despite having great music, choreography, and visuals, the group had a disadvantage because they came from a small and new company. Debuting in K-Pop is not easy, only a small number of groups make a name for themselves in the industry. Usually, groups from more established companies like the Big Three (SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment) have more of an advantage to succeed because of their label’s management experience and status in the industry. Little did the world know, BTS would pave the way for K-Pop to enter mainstream media.

BTS and BigHit did not just luck out in finding success. They made many strategic moves and innovative approaches in their career. One move was training in the United States of America. BTS documented their travels to the States early in their career to learn about the origins of Hip-Hop from American artists Coolio, Tony Jones, and Warren G. The boy group was able to find their unique sound and a new understanding of music. This forward-thinking approach not only opened the door for K-Pop to enter mainstream media but also positioned BTS as pioneers, leading the Hallyu wave and transforming how the world perceives Korean pop culture.

HYBE’s Impressive Growing Artist Roster and Impact on K-Pop Culture

HYBE CO. found immediate success in expanding its artist roster to include diverse talents beyond BTS. Some of their most notable groups like TXT (Tomorrow x Together), LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans demonstrate HYBE's commitment to nurturing a variety of musical styles and personalities. The incorporation of international survival shows like I-LAND and Dream Academy validates HYBE's dedication to broadcasting to a global audience and assembling the most diverse roster of future K-Pop idols.

HYBE has solidified its place in not just the K-Pop industry but the music scene as a whole. The company's unique management style and innovative musical productions have set new industry standards, without losing their artistic integrity.

In Conclusion

HYBE has come a long way since its humble beginnings to its current status as a global entertainment powerhouse. They continue to uphold their status as a trailblazer redefining the norms of K-Pop culture. As HYBE looks toward the future, we can expect its artists to continue breaking records and boundaries, ultimately influencing the global entertainment landscape, positively.

Edited by Vivian N.