ENTERTAINMENT
HYBE Executives Shine in 2026 Billboard Global Power Players List
On November 9th, Billboard, the renowned American music publication, unveiled its '2026 Billboard Global Power Players' list on its official website. This prestigious list recognizes leaders driving growth and innovation in the music industry across all regions outside the United States.
The HYBE executives honored include returning members such as Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, CEO Jiwon Park, and Head of HYBE 360 Business Yoojin Oh, along with newcomers Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE America, Hyunrok Han, CEO of HYBE Japan, and Taeho Kim, COO of HYBE. This marks the largest number of HYBE executives ever recognized, highlighting the company's impressive global achievements and cultural influence.
Chairman Bang Si-hyuk has been featured on the list for the fifth time, having previously been recognized in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2025. He has successfully expanded the K-pop methodology into a universal formula for global pop success, achieving significant results in various music markets. Notably, the global girl group KATSEYE, produced by Bang, made a long-standing entry on the Billboard main chart and was nominated for 'Best New Artist' and 'Best Pop Duo/Group Performance' at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, creating a cultural phenomenon. Additionally, in Latin America, he has expanded the K-pop system and influence by debuting boy group SANTOS BRAVOS and band Musza through reality programs and band auditions.
CEO Jiwon Park, recognized for the second consecutive year, has strengthened the competitiveness of HYBE's core music business and secured future growth engines based on platforms and technology, solidifying HYBE's position in the global market. He notably established HYBE China and HYBE India, driving the 'Multi-home, Multi-genre' strategy in two of the world's largest and fastest-growing music markets.
Yoojin Oh, Head of HYBE 360 Business, has been honored for the third consecutive year for overseeing global tours and festivals for HYBE Music Group's APAC artists. According to Billboard's recently released '2025 Boxscore Annual Report,' HYBE recorded $469.2 million in tour revenue over the past year, ranking fourth in the 'Top Promoters' category and entering the global concert market's top four.
The achievements of newly recognized executives also stood out. Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE America, joined the list for his success in solidifying HYBE's presence in the Latin market. He co-produced the audition program 'Pase a la Fama' with Telemundo, which topped Spanish-language broadcast ratings in Mexico, leading to the successful debuts of Musza, Low Clika, and Destino.
Hyunrok Han, CEO of HYBE Japan, has been instrumental in driving the overall music business in Japan, including album distribution, concert promotion, IP business, and marketing for HYBE Music Group artists. He has also successfully led the discovery and development of local Japanese artists. His efforts contributed to the debut and growth of localized artists under the 'Multi-home, Multi-genre' strategy, such as &TEAM achieving their first million-seller and new group aoen topping the Oricon Daily Single Ranking.
Taeho Kim, COO of HYBE, was also recognized for the first time this year. He has innovated global fan experiences by leading projects like 'THE CITY,' which expands fan experiences with various events and attractions in cities alongside concerts. He also promoted new cheering cultures through global pop-up stores and the 'Team Korea Cheer Stick' during the 2024 Paris Olympics, driving the convergence of entertainment and other industries.
In addition to HYBE executives, the '2026 Billboard Global Power Players' list includes other influential figures in the global music industry, such as Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex, and Victoria Oakley, CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
