South Korea’s HYBE launches ABD, a new label dedicated to girl group production.
Leading ABD, short for A Bold Dream, is its inaugural president Jiwon No, who previously served as head of artist planning at PLEDIS and MORE VISION. At ABD, she will oversee the label’s overall management and strategic direction.
The first ABD project will debut in the second half of 2026. Sung Soo Han, widely recognized as the creative mastermind behind such artists as SEVENTEEN, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS, will lead the girl group’s overall production, from music to concept and performance.
“The creation of ABD aligns with HYBE’s multi-label strategy, which champions creative independence and autonomy within HYBE’s broader support framework,” reads a statement, issued Friday, May 8. “With a distinct focus on girl group development and the introduction of differentiated IP and artistic identity, the launch of ABD marks a strategic step in strengthening HYBE’s multi-label ecosystem as K-pop continues to evolve globally.”
HYBE is on a high, after reporting record-setting revenue at 698.3 billion KRW ($470.2 million), thanks largely to the comeback of BTS and the group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, and world tour.
Within the rest of K-pop specialist’s artist portfolio, ENHYPHEN’s seventh mini album, THE SIN: VANISH, became the group’s fourth double-million seller during the period, while CORTIS’ debut album, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES, surpassed 2 million copies in cumulative sales.
HYBE America reported strong gains with KATSEYE, the girl group that recently surpassed 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, while their EPs, SIS (Soft Is Strong) and BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, sold a combined 1 million copies. The quarter also saw the relaunch of BMLG as Blue Highway Records, led by Jake Basden as CEO.
ABD “embodies the label’s creative philosophy of pursuing unconventional, flexible, and playful ideas that push beyond norm,” reads the statement unveiling the new label. “Guided by a deep understanding of both artists and fans, the new label aims to pursue the intrinsic joy of music while exploring new possibilities and expanding the horizons of K-pop.”
