In a significant development, HYBE's BigHit Music has named current general manager Seon Jeong Shin as the next president. This decision was reached following approval at a shareholders meeting and board of directors resolution on Tuesday (Nov. 26). Shin's appointment holds great importance as she has played a crucial role in the company's growth and success. HYBE's Leadership Shift and Global Impact
Shin's Role in BTS and Beyond
Shin, who was honored with a spot on Billboard's 2022 40 Under 40 list, has been instrumental in developing HYBE's artist training system. Her work as the head of training and development not only contributed to the success of BTS but also played a vital role in launching many other HYBE artists that followed in BTS's global footsteps. Artists like TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, Le Sserafim, and &Team owe a great deal to her efforts. In 2022, she emphasized the significance of understanding the evolving demands of the public and fans, stating that it is the most crucial trend for those in the business.
Her impact extends beyond just artist training. She has been at the forefront of expanding HYBE's artist training and development system to North America. The collaboration with Geffen Records to launch the global girl group KATSEYE is a testament to her vision and ability to adapt to different markets.
HYBE's Organizational Changes in 2024
2024 has been a year of significant organizational change for HYBE as it exports its K-pop business model and approach to artist development. In July, Jason Jaesang Lee replaced Jiwon Park as CEO to lead the "HYBE 2.0" global expansion strategy. This move signaled a new era for the company. Additionally, when the company unveiled more details about its restructuring in August, current BigHit Music president Young Jae Shin was named president of the newly created HYBE Music Group APAC, overseeing operations in Japan and South Korea.
These changes reflect HYBE's commitment to continuous growth and expansion in the global entertainment industry. It shows their willingness to adapt and evolve to meet the changing demands of the market.
HYBE's Push in the Americas
The South Korean company is making significant strides in the Americas. After acquiring Exile Music Group in 2023, HYBE Latin America, led by CEO Jonghyun “JH” Kah, launched a new record label, DOCEMIL Music, and opened offices in Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. This expansion allows HYBE to reach a wider audience and establish a stronger foothold in the American market.
Furthermore, HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun is overseeing all promotional and marketing collaborations between HYBE and its distributor, Universal Music Group. This collaboration helps onboard UMG artists to HYBE's Weverse social media platform, further strengthening the company's presence in the digital realm.