“A Bold Dream”: HYBE’s Specialized New Label
K-pop conglomerate HYBE has officially expanded its multi-label ecosystem with the launch of ABD, a subsidiary dedicated exclusively to the production and management of girl groups. Announced on Friday, May 8, 2026, the label’s name is an acronym for “A Bold Dream.” According to official statements, the branding reflects a commitment to unconventional creativity—symbolized by jumping from “A” and “B” directly to “D”—to bypass industry norms and explore new territories in global entertainment.
Powerhouse Leadership and Production
The new label will be steered by two seasoned executives with deep roots in the K-pop industry:
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CEO No Ji-won: Formerly the head of artist planning at Pledis Entertainment, No brings extensive expertise in organizational management and artist development to ABD.
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Executive Producer Han Sung-soo: The founder of Pledis Entertainment and the creative force behind iconic acts like Seventeen, After School, and IZ*ONE, Han will oversee the overall production, music, and performance direction for the label’s upcoming talent.
Debut Timeline and Growing Portfolio
ABD is scheduled to debut its first rookie girl group in the second half of 2026. This move strengthens HYBE’s portfolio of female artists, which currently includes global chart-toppers like NewJeans (ADOR), Le Sserafim (Source Music), and ILLIT (Belift Lab). The launch comes at a strategic time as HYBE continues to diversify its intellectual property (IP) following the record-breaking success of BTS’s “Arirang” comeback and the group’s ongoing 2026 world tour.
HYBE’s Multi-Label Roster (2026)
The establishment of ABD is part of HYBE’s broader strategy to foster label autonomy while leveraging a centralized infrastructure for global marketing and distribution. With a specialized team at the helm, the industry is closely watching to see how the new act will differentiate itself in the increasingly competitive global girl group market.
