HYBE launches new label ABD, to debut girl group in second half of the year
Korean entertainment giant HYBE has announced the launch of a new label, ABD, which will focus on the production and development of a new girl group.
Short for “A Bold Dream,” ABD is positioned as a creative arm under HYBE that aims to explore unconventional, flexible, and playful approaches to music and artist development, while pushing beyond traditional industry norms.
According to HYBE, the label is guided by a philosophy that balances artistic experimentation with a strong understanding of both artists and fans, with the goal of expanding the creative scope of K-pop.
ABD will be headed by Jiwon No, formerly head of artist planning at Pledis Entertainment, another HYBE label. She will serve as president and oversee the label’s overall management and strategic direction, drawing from her experience at both Pledis and More Vision.
As part of its launch plans, ABD is set to debut its first girl group in the second half of the year. The group’s production will be led by Sung Soo Han, a Master Professional (MP) known for shaping the sound and concepts of acts such as Seventeen, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS.
HYBE said the creation of ABD supports its multi-label system, which promotes creative independence and operational autonomy for its subsidiaries while benefiting from the group’s broader infrastructure.
With a dedicated focus on girl group development and differentiated artistic identity, ABD’s launch marks another step in HYBE’s continued expansion of its multi-label ecosystem as K-pop strengthens its global reach.
HYBE’s roster of artists currently includes BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, and LE SSERAFIM.