BTS, SEVENTEEN’s Label, HYBE Named Most Innovative Media Company of 2022 – Billboard

Safe to say, Hybe is having a pretty good year. The entertainment conglomerate behind BTS won the top prize in Quick business’classification of the most innovative media companies of 2022, and placed at No. 11 on their list of the most innovative companies.

Known for “finding new ways to publish content, reach listeners and cultivate fandom around the world,” Hybe made huge strides last year by merging with Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings. Since their deal — which ended up costing $1 billion — Hybe has worked on Justin Bieber’s concert film, Ariana Grande’s REM Beauty line and the CBS drama series. Scorpio. “The new entertainment giant is creating a diversified global entity that emphasizes brand management and multimedia entrepreneurship as it scales,” says fast company.

While the merger was key to Hybe’s ambition to put down roots in the US, the company certainly hasn’t slowed down on the K-Pop front either (although the impending conscription of some BTS members in the South Korean military is likely to pose a challenge in the near future). In 2020, they teamed up with cloud streaming service Kiswe for a virtual BTS tour, which drew nearly a million viewers, and the global boyband phenomenon scored six Hot 100 No. 1s in less than two years.

Hybe’s placement on the “Most Innovative Media Companies” list is a testament to the company’s mission. Their motto is clear and simple (“We believe in music”) and a statement on their website reads: “We bring change to life by creating resonance across the world and innovating across industries. These industries cover gaming, education, film, television, technology, concerts, fan experiences and more in addition to music.

Founded in 2005 by Bang Si-Hyuk (one of Billboard‘s 2021 International Power Players), Hybe began as Big Hit Entertainment. It is the parent of seven record labels, including BTS’s label BigHit Music, Enhypen’s Belift Lab, and Seventeen’s Pledis Entertainment. Last year, the conglomerate announced its first-ever global search for US-based girl group members in partnership with Geffen Records.