Label
Ooak Records
Ooak Records is an independent South Korean music label founded in October 2025 by Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR and creative architect behind NewJeans. The label officially launched on February 3, 2026, unveiling a cinematic global campaign across its social channels that teased its first project: a boy group targeting the international market.
Min Hee-jin built her reputation as a creative director at SM Entertainment before joining HYBE as Chief Brand Officer and later becoming CEO of ADOR, where she conceived and launched NewJeans. After a high-profile dispute with HYBE in 2024, she exited the company and spent over a year building Ooak Records in relative secrecy.
The label's debut campaign used AI-generated visuals set across fictional Ooak Records shops in France, Japan, Russia, and the Middle East, each carrying the phrase "A lot is coming. All in good time." A global audition opened in February 2026, welcoming male applicants born between 2008 and 2013 regardless of nationality. Ooak Records has confirmed a boy group will debut first, with no fixed timeline disclosed as of early 2026.
The name stands for Only One Always Known, a phrase embedded in the label's visual identity that reflects Min's philosophy of singular, lasting creative impact over trend-chasing.
1 articlesooak-records.com
Gallery
OOAK Records WANTED campaign teaser, February 2026 / OOAK Records
Fans Also Ask
Who founded Ooak Records?
Ooak Records was founded by Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR and the creative director behind NewJeans. She established the label in October 2025 after departing HYBE and ADOR following a widely publicized dispute. The label officially launched its public channels in February 2026.
What does OOAK stand for?
OOAK stands for Only One Always Known, a phrase embedded in the label's visual identity and creative philosophy. It reflects Min Hee-jin's focus on singular, distinctive artists rather than trend-driven idol concepts.
Is Ooak Records preparing a boy group?
Yes. Ooak Records confirmed in late 2025 that its first act will be a boy group. A global audition campaign launched in February 2026, seeking male applicants born between 2008 and 2013 regardless of nationality or background. No specific debut date has been set as of early 2026.
What is the connection between Ooak Records and NewJeans?
Min Hee-jin, who founded Ooak Records, was the creative director who conceived and launched NewJeans at ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. After a public dispute with HYBE in 2024, she departed the company and spent over a year building Ooak Records. Ooak Records operates independently from HYBE and NewJeans.
What artists are signed to Ooak Records?
As of early 2026, Ooak Records has not announced any signed artists. The label is currently in a global recruitment phase for its first group, a boy group targeting the international market. Auditions opened in February 2026 for male applicants born between 2008 and 2013.
