MUSIC
Former HYBE Executives Launch RETOPIA SALON, Announce New K-Pop Boy Group

On the 4th, RETOPIA SALON announced its formation, led by CEO Bang Woo-jung, along with CCO Kim Soo-rin and COO Park Joon-soo. The company plans to introduce a new boy group.
RETOPIA SALON symbolizes a utopia realized in the real world. With the vision 'Make Dreams Real,' the company aims to transform passion for popular art into tangible experiences.

CEO Bang Woo-jung stated, "RETOPIA SALON aims to create unprecedented experiences with vibrant content. Our first project will be a boy group that will lead the K-pop market, with a large-scale global audition starting in March to form the team."
Bang Woo-jung joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2010 and served as the leader of HYBE's Media Studio Creative Studio until September last year. She oversaw the production of various content for HYBE Music Group's major artists, playing a pivotal role in BTS's success through fan communication via social media and digital platforms. She is also credited with pioneering self-produced content, known as 'self-con,' which is now a staple in K-pop idol planning. Her notable works include 'Run BTS' and 'In the SOOP,' which have been recognized for their quality, airing on networks like Mnet and JTBC.
CCO Kim Soo-rin, formerly VP of HYBE Labels Japan, joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2011 and led fan content for BTS, Tomorrow X Together, and ENHYPEN. She directed visuals for fan meetings, season's greetings, and photobooks, and expanded fan experiences by planning events like BTS's debut anniversary 'FESTA.' After moving to the Japan branch, she handled local trainee casting and branding.
COO Park Joon-soo, from HYBE's Original Content Studio SP, is renowned for directing BTS's variety, reality, documentary, and film projects, including 'Run BTS,' 'Bon Voyage,' and 'Burn the Stage.' He also directed 'In the SOOP' with SEVENTEEN and 'In the SOOP: Friendship Trip' featuring Park Seo-joon, Peakboy, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, and BTS's V, as well as 'Backstage: Tomorrow X Together x ENHYPEN Documentary.'
Meanwhile, RETOPIA SALON will hold a global audition next month, with further details to be announced.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr