Big news for girl-group stan Twitter — HYBE just announced a brand-new label dedicated to producing girl groups called ABD, which stands for „A Bold Dream.“ The company says ABD will focus on fresh, flexible creativity — not following A, B, C but jumping straight to D — and aims to push K-pop boundaries by pairing new musical ideas with a deep understanding of artists and fans.
Key points:
- ABD is a new HYBE label launched specifically to develop girl groups and specialized creators.
- Noh Ji Won, the former Head of Artist Planning at Pledis Entertainment, has been named CEO of ABD to lead the label’s operations and growth.
- Veteran producer Han Sung Soo will join as Master Professional to direct music, concepts, and performances — he’s worked with acts like SEVENTEEN, After School, IZ*ONE, and TWS.
- HYBE plans to debut ABD’s first rookie girl group in the second half of 2026.
Why this matters: ABD is part of HYBE’s ongoing multi-label strategy that lets each label keep its own identity while operating autonomously. The company is positioning ABD as a dedicated pipeline for girl-group IP, with a specialized production team to deliver a distinct alternative in the market.
Fan context (quick facts):
- HYBE acquired Pledis Entertainment in 2020, bringing groups like SEVENTEEN into the HYBE family.
- HYBE’s sublabel ADOR launched NewJeans in 2022 — a recent example of how their multi-label approach can produce a breakout girl group.
- HYBE’s multi-label system includes several autonomous labels (Big Hit Music, Pledis, ADOR, etc.), a strategy the company uses to diversify its creative and business output globally.
Personally, I’m hyped — a whole label dedicated to girl groups led by industry vets? Count me in. I’ll be watching for pre-debut teasers, trainee reveals, and any songwriting or choreography credits as they roll out. Who else is already making a speculation wishlist?
Source: Koreaboo