- Three of HYBE’s executives ranked on Billboard's 2026 Power 100, showing their global reach.
- The company's multihome, multigenre strategy propels K-pop's growth across countries and categories.
- HYBE saw record revenue as well as an operating loss in 2025, but BTS-led activity has increased market confidence.
HYBE Co. executives were prominently featured on Billboard's 2026 Power 100 list, with founder-chairman Bang Si-hyuk, CEO Lee Jae-sang, and HYBE America chairman and CEO Isaac Lee being ranked among the most powerful persons in the worldwide music sector. The trio landed at No. 30 in Billboard's "Leaderboard" category and fifth in "Multisector," indicating HYBE's growing influence in the overall music market as well as related entertainment fields.
Billboard's annual Power 100 list recognizes CEOs influencing the worldwide music industry across labels, publishing, live performances, and diversification. Notably, the "Leaderboard" category highlights the top 40 people making a global impact. On the other hand, the "Multisector" category assesses impact across the music value chain, from artist management to live entertainment. Interestingly, HYBE was recognized for its "multihome, multigenre" strategy of growing regional hubs while promoting K-pop artists and a fandom development model globally.
HYBE’s Top Executives Push K-pop Beyond Korea
The latest rankings marked HYBE's founder-chairman, Bang Si-hyuk’s sixth appearance on the list since 2020, proving his continued contribution in developing the company's global outlook. In contrast, CEO Lee Jae-sang, who led the HYBE 2.0 strategy, made his debut on the list, along with HYBE America chairman and CEO Isaac Lee. Their appearances highlighted their contributions to HYBE's expansion into regions like China, India, North America, and Latin America, while also developing a technology-driven approach for fan engagement.
Billboard acknowledged the Grammy nominations for KATSEYE, a girl group co-developed with Geffen Records, as proof of HYBE's growing cross-genre appeal. It also emphasized the chart performances of HYBE artists such as SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and ENHYPEN, reflecting the company's expanding global commercial power.
HYBE Balances K-pop Growth with Expansion Costs
The industry ranking arrives as HYBE’s financial and equity performance reflects both headwinds and momentum. The company reported a record high quarterly revenue in the third quarter of 2025 with 727.2 billion won (~$503.892 million USD), up 37.8% year-on-year, driven by live events, artist promotions, and solo endeavors. However, HYBE also posted an operating loss in the same quarter, underscoring cost pressures from global expansion and BTS' prolonged absence.
Meanwhile, HYBE’s equity markets have recently opened up tied to renewed artist activity. The label’s stock price reached a four-year high in Jan 2026, boosted by BTS' 2026 comeback with the Arirang world tour and album release, raising investor expectations and target prices of shares by major financial firms.
Taken together, Billboard recognition and broader market signals indicate that HYBE is evolving beyond a Korea-focused K-pop powerhouse. The transition frames the organization as a larger entertainment conglomerate, balancing short-term earnings volatility with long-term global growth.
