Label
KOZ Entertainment
KOZ Entertainment (KOZ 엔터테인먼트) is a South Korean record label founded on November 26, 2018, by Zico, the rapper and producer best known as the leader of Block B. In November 2020, HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) acquired KOZ, making it a subsidiary label. The company relocated to HYBE's Yongsan headquarters in March 2021.
Despite the acquisition, KOZ operates independently with its own creative direction while receiving HYBE's financial backing and global distribution infrastructure. The label's philosophy centers on raising each artist's individuality to its highest potential through what it calls an open crew culture.
KOZ's flagship act is BOYNEXTDOOR (보이넥스트도어), a six-member boy group that debuted in May 2023 with "Who!" and rapidly became one of fourth-generation K-pop's breakout acts. Their third EP 19.99 became their first million-seller. The fourth EP No Genre, released May 2025, marked another commercial milestone following their debut Knock On Vol.1 world tour in late 2024. The group also became the global campaign model for Samyang Foods' Buldak brand. Zico remains the label's marquee solo artist, alongside the Fanxy Child collective and producer Hwang Hyunsung.
Positioned alongside BigHit Music and other HYBE subsidiaries, KOZ represents the conglomerate's strategy of acquiring artist-led boutique labels to diversify its roster beyond the BTS pipeline. Headquartered at 42 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
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Fans Also Ask
Who founded KOZ Entertainment?
KOZ Entertainment was founded by Zico, the rapper, producer, and former Block B leader, on November 26, 2018. He established the label to create a home for artists who value creative independence and individuality in K-pop.
What is KOZ Entertainment's relationship to HYBE?
In November 2020, HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) acquired KOZ Entertainment, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. KOZ retains creative independence while benefiting from HYBE's financial backing and global distribution infrastructure.
Who are the main artists under KOZ Entertainment?
KOZ Entertainment's flagship act is BOYNEXTDOOR, the six-member fourth-generation boy group that debuted in May 2023 and achieved their first million-seller with the EP 19.99. Zico himself remains the label's marquee solo artist, alongside the Fanxy Child collective and producer Hwang Hyunsung.
What has BOYNEXTDOOR achieved at KOZ Entertainment?
BOYNEXTDOOR debuted with 'Who!' in May 2023 and rapidly became one of fourth-generation K-pop's breakout acts. Their third EP 19.99 was their first million-seller. They completed their debut world tour Knock On Vol.1 in late 2024 and released their fourth EP No Genre in May 2025.
What makes KOZ Entertainment different from other HYBE labels?
KOZ operates with an open crew culture that centers each artist's creative individuality. Unlike larger HYBE labels managing multi-act rosters, KOZ functions as a boutique label with a smaller roster and a hands-on approach to long-term artistic development.
