HYBE Unveils New Label, Plans New Girl Group: Is India Involved?

• HYBE has launched a new subsidiary, ABD, with veteran executives Jiwon No and Sung Soo Han helming a new girl group venture planned for 2026.
• HYBE expands via BTS-driven record revenues, with the company posting nearly $480M in Q1 2026 earnings.
• ABD’s girl group plans have ignited speculation about possible linkages to HYBE India’s current global audition project.

HYBE is all set to upgrade its global music game with the launch of its new subsidiary ABD, which stands for “A Bold Dream.” The BTS label has tapped Jiwon No to be the President of the freshly formed company, who brings solid experience from his stints at organizations like Pledis Entertainment (another HYBE subsidiary) and More Vision. Reportedly, Jiwon No will look after the ABD’s management and organizational architecture. 

As for the HYBE new company, it will be helmed by Sung Soo Han, who is also known as “Master Professional” within the industry. The Billboard Korea and Forbes note that Han is one of the biggest creative forces behind groups like SEVENTEEN, IZ*ONE, and After School. If reports are to be believed, Han is going to take the lead on the music, concepts, and performance for ABD’s first group that could potentially debut in the second half of 2026.

HYBE Expands Amid BTS-Fueled Revenue Boom

HYBE’s ABD launch timing is strategic owing to its commercial and corporate momentum. Driven by BTS’s continued success, HYBE recently reported a record-breaking revenue for the first quarter of 2026. The label notably, achieved a revenue of ₩698.3 billion (~ $479.6 million USD), bolstered by its flagship group’s ARIRANG world tour, which is generating massive economic impacts across global locations. For instance, its three-day run in South Korea’s Goyang generated about $37.3M in economic impact, while the El Paso run generated a staggering figure of $75M.

HYBE Positions ABD as Its Next Major Girl Group Label: India in Viewpoint?

The financial leverage provided by BTS has enabled HYBE to fund a new subsidiary, which is being labeled as its next generation of “differentiated IPs.” ABD now joins HYBE’s large set of profitable sublabels like BIGHIT MUSIC, BELIFT LAB, SOURCE Music, PLEDIS, KOZ, and ADOR, as well as international office hubs in India, Japan, America, and Latin America. 

The new label of HYBE will reportedly launch a new girl group, with details still under wraps. This is an interesting take, as HYBE India, which has launched an audition drive, is also on the lookout for members for a girl group. HYBE India is auditioning for raw girl talent born between 2005 and 2011, in the field of rap, dance, vocals, as well as modeling and associated activities. The audition is coupled with further pop-up park activations in selected cities, which showcase a dynamic attempt at localization by the company. Whether the two are connected or not, is yet to be known, but as of now, ABD is betting on the “intrinsic joy of music,” while intending to push HYBE to new heights.