Tag: HYBE

Entertainment

HYBE Officially Launches HYBE India Entertainment in Mumbai, Marking Major Expansion into South Asia

Tanisha Cardozo

HYBE, the South Korean entertainment conglomerate behind global music sensations like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans, has made its official foray into the Indian market with the launch of HYBE India Entertainment Private Limited. This Mumbai-based subsidiary becomes HYBE’s fifth international arm after successful operations in Japan, the United States, Latin America, and China.

The establishment of HYBE India marks a strategic expansion into a dynamic and rapidly growing music and entertainment ecosystem. With India boasting the world’s second-largest music streaming market—home to nearly 185 million users—the move positions HYBE to tap into a vast and diverse talent pool while catering to a massive audience with evolving tastes and increasing global influence.

HYBE’s India mission is encapsulated in its powerful statement: “Where voices of India become global stories.” The company has announced plans to conduct regional auditions and implement a bespoke training system between September and October 2025. This initiative aims to discover Indian artists capable of connecting with both domestic audiences and the global music scene. It will bring HYBE’s rigorous, globally respected artist training framework to India while making necessary cultural and creative adaptations for local resonance.

The Indian subsidiary will also serve as a local hub for promoting existing HYBE artists and supporting their activities in the subcontinent. From localized campaigns to fan engagement, HYBE India will ensure stronger connections between HYBE’s global acts and the Indian fanbase.

This move falls under HYBE’s broader “Multi-home, Multi-genre” strategy, focused on cultivating artists who are regionally rooted and globally competitive. A representative from the company emphasized that this approach is already showing results in other markets and could significantly shift the global music industry landscape, traditionally dominated by a few major Western players.

While detailed plans for the Mumbai office are still under wraps, what’s certain is HYBE’s commitment to investing in Indian talent and reshaping the music ecosystem. By establishing a solid base in Mumbai—the cultural and commercial heart of India’s entertainment industry—HYBE is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of global stars from South Asia.

Music

CORTIS Is Here: BigHit Music Announces New Boy Group Set to Debut August 18

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

BigHit’s next-generation boy band emerges six years after TXT

In a move that has ignited a new wave of excitement across the K-pop community, BigHit Music — home to global icons BTS and TXT — has unveiled CORTIS, a five-member boy group set to make their debut on August 18.

Announced via a sleek midnight teaser on August 7 KST, the group’s name, CORTIS, appeared glowing in pink on a laptop screen, sparking immediate buzz. The teaser was accompanied by the reveal of the group’s full lineup: Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho — all young talents with a passion for creativity.

Meet the Members of CORTIS

Each member brings something unique to the table, with backgrounds that span songwriting, choreography, and performance:

  • Martin (17) – A Canadian-Korean artist and the presumed leader, Martin has already built an impressive résumé behind the scenes. His songwriting credits include TXT’s “Deja Vu,” “Miracle,” and “Beautiful Strangers,” as well as ENHYPEN’s “Outside,” LE SSERAFIM’s “Pierrot,” and ILLIT’s “Magnetic.”
  • James (20) – The eldest member, James is Thai-Chinese and known for his choreography work with TXT and ILLIT. His experience adds a dynamic edge to CORTIS’ stage presence.

Juhoon (17), Seonghyeon (16), and Keonho (16) – All Korean, these younger members bring fresh energy and promise. Keonho is the group’s maknae (youngest), but all members are expected to play active roles in shaping the group’s identity.

Not Just Idols — Creative Visionaries

CORTIS isn’t just another idol group. According to BigHit, the band is designed as a “young creators’ crew” — a collective where every member contributes creatively, whether through music composition, visual direction, or performance design.

“They will express their creative talent based on their own stories,” BigHit shared in a statement. “All members will take part in the creative process, regardless of their set positions.”

This marks a notable shift in the way K-pop groups are structured, giving these young stars greater artistic control and the space to explore their individuality.

The Teaser and What’s Next

The teaser may have been minimalist, but fans are already speculating about the upcoming August 10 release at midnight KST on HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel. It’s expected to showcase either their debut track or give the first full glimpse into the group’s concept, sound, and aesthetic.

Socials and Fan Connection

CORTIS’ official X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok accounts are now live, marking the beginning of their pre-debut journey. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes glimpses, training logs, and maybe even sneak peeks at their debut concept.

With BTS hinting at a long-awaited comeback and TXT continuing to soar, CORTIS is arriving at a pivotal moment in BigHit’s legacy — and they’re ready to carve out a fresh, innovative chapter in K-pop history.