HYBE has officially announced the launch of a brand-new label dedicated to girl group production, raising anticipation for another major K-pop rookie debut in the second half of 2026.
On May 8, HYBE revealed that it established a new specialized label called “ABD,” focused entirely on creating and developing girl groups. The label name stands for “A Bold Dream,” reflecting the company’s vision of imagining “D instead of simply moving from A to B to C” — symbolizing flexible, creative, and unconventional thinking.
According to the company, ABD aims to pursue the pure joy of music while expanding into new creative territories through a deep understanding of both artists and fans.
The new label will be led by Noh Ji-won, former Head of Artist Planning at PLEDIS Entertainment. Having gained extensive experience in label management through PLEDIS and MORE VISION, Noh will oversee overall operations and establish the foundation for the label’s long-term growth.
ABD plans to introduce differentiated intellectual property (IP) and artist branding through a team specialized in girl group production and creative direction.
The label’s first rookie girl group is scheduled to debut later this year, with renowned producer Han Sung-soo taking charge of executive production. Han Sung-soo is widely known for producing successful acts including SEVENTEEN, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS.
A HYBE representative stated that the launch of ABD is a strategic move to diversify the company’s IP portfolio and further strengthen its K-pop production capabilities. The company added that the upcoming rookie group will introduce fresh musical experimentation and new concepts aimed at reshaping the global music market.
The announcement has already sparked strong interest among K-pop fans worldwide, especially as HYBE currently houses globally successful girl groups such as LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, KATSEYE, and ILLIT.
With HYBE continuing to expand its influence in the global K-pop industry, attention is now focused on what kind of concept and identity ABD’s first girl group will bring to the next generation of K-pop.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
HYBE’s launch of ABD signals that the competition for the next global girl group era is only getting stronger. With proven producers, massive infrastructure, and worldwide fandom power already in place, expectations for ABD’s first rookie team are rising rapidly across the industry.
작성자 소개
