HYBE is officially stepping up its girl group production. On the 8th, the entertainment powerhouse announced the establishment of ABD, a brand-new label dedicated exclusively to producing and managing K-pop girl groups.
What Does “ABD” Stand For?
The name ABD is an acronym for the label’s slogan: “A Bold Dream.” It embodies a flexible and cheerful creative mindset—imagining a “D” instead of the expected “C” after “A” and “B.”
The label’s core mission is to expand the boundaries of K-pop. They plan to achieve this by pursuing the pure joy of music, grounded in a deep, mutual understanding between fans and artists.
Key Leadership & Creative Direction
To ensure a strong foundation and high-quality output, ABD is launching with seasoned industry experts at the helm:
- CEO Noh Ji-won: Formerly the Head of Artist Planning at Pledis Entertainment, Noh brings extensive experience in label operations from her time at Pledis and More Vision. She will oversee overall management and build a stable growth platform for the new venture.
- Executive Producer Han Sung-soo: The acclaimed Master Professional (MP) behind K-pop hits for SEVENTEEN, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS will spearhead the label’s creative direction. He is tasked with overseeing the music, concepts, and performances.
First Rookie Girl Group Debuting This Year
Fans won’t have to wait long to see ABD’s creative vision come to life. The label is scheduled to launch its first rookie girl group in the second half of this year.
Strengthening HYBE’s Multi-Label Strategy
The creation of ABD is a strategic move under HYBE’s overarching multi-label system, which is designed to strengthen expertise and autonomy across its subsidiaries. By fostering independent operations based on each label’s unique colors, HYBE continues to solidify its competitive edge in the global music market.
“The establishment of ABD is a strategic step to secure IP diversity and further advance our K-pop production capabilities. Through our new girl group, we will propose fresh musical attempts and concepts, creating a refreshing change in the global music market.”
— HYBE Representative