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HYBE

HYBE (하이브) is the entertainment conglomerate that reshaped the K-pop business model. Founded by Bang Si-hyuk in 2005 as Big Hit Entertainment, the company rebranded to HYBE Corporation in 2021 to reflect its expansion beyond a single label. The multi-label structure houses BigHit Music (BTS), PLEDIS Entertainment (SEVENTEEN), BELIFT LAB (ENHYPEN), and Source Music (LE SSERAFIM), among others. The company also owns Weverse, the fan community platform that has become K-pop's dominant direct-to-fan infrastructure. Weverse turned profitable for the first time in 2025, a significant milestone in HYBE's platform ambitions. The tech division, formerly Hybe IM, was renamed Drimage in July 2025. HYBE's international expansion has been equally aggressive. The partnership with Geffen Records produced KATSEYE, the multinational girl group formed through The Debut: Dream Academy, which earned two Grammy nominations in its debut year. The venture proved that K-pop's training methodology could be exported and scaled globally. HYBE posted record annual revenues in 2025: KRW 2.65 trillion ($1.86 billion), up 17.5% year-over-year, with Q3 alone reaching KRW 727.2 billion, a single-quarter record. The 2025 figures were driven by diversified tour revenue across SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and new artists, independent of BTS's ongoing military hiatus. Operating profit fell 73% to KRW 49.9 billion as the company invested heavily in launching new acts and global infrastructure. BTS's full-group return in 2025 with their album ARIRANG and global tour represents the company's most anticipated revenue catalyst in years. Headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul, HYBE is the most valuable entertainment company in Korea by market capitalization and the standard-setter for the multi-label conglomerate model that every major K-pop company has since moved to replicate.
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Fans Also Ask

What is HYBE and when was it founded?
HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) is a South Korean entertainment company founded by Bang Si-hyuk in 2005. It became HYBE Corporation in March 2021 after restructuring into a multi-label system. HYBE is the company behind BTS and has grown into one of the largest entertainment conglomerates globally.
What artists are under HYBE?
HYBE manages artists through multiple labels including BigHit Music (BTS, TXT), HYBE LABELS JAPAN (Enhypen Japan activities), SOURCE MUSIC (LE SSERAFIM), PLEDIS Entertainment (SEVENTEEN, fromis_9), KOZ Entertainment (Zico), ADOR (NewJeans), and Belift Lab (ENHYPEN).
What is the relationship between HYBE and Big Hit?
Big Hit Entertainment was renamed HYBE Corporation in March 2021. BigHit Music now operates as a subsidiary label under HYBE, specifically managing BTS, TXT, and Lee Hyun. HYBE is the parent company overseeing all labels in its entertainment conglomerate.
Is HYBE publicly traded?
Yes, HYBE went public on the Korea Exchange (KRX) on October 15, 2020. The IPO was one of South Koreas largest entertainment offerings. Major shareholders include founder Bang Si-hyuk and blockchain company Dunamu. The company also has partnerships with Universal Music Group.
What other businesses does HYBE operate?
Beyond artist management, HYBE operates Weverse (fan community platform), Weverse Shop (merchandise), HYBE AMERICA (global expansion including acquiring Ithaca Holdings), game development, and educational content. The company has invested heavily in technology and fan engagement platforms.

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