Hyunrock Han of HYBE JAPAN Reflects on Transformative Growth and Strategic Launch of &TEAM in Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players Interview
In March, Billboard released its 2026 Global Power Players list, recognizing influential figures in the music industry outside the United States. Among those honored was Hyunrock Han, the representative director and CEO of HYBE JAPAN, marking his first inclusion on the prestigious list. Han has played a pivotal role in expanding the company from approximately 20 employees at his appointment to around 300 today, focusing on innovative strategies for the label’s first localized artist, &TEAM.
Background and Career Path
Hyunrock Han’s career spans various industries, including finance, manufacturing, and trading, before he joined Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) in 2019. His previous role at MISUMI Group in Thailand involved overseeing operations in the Asia region. A meeting with Si-Hyuk Bang, the Chairman of HYBE’s Board of Directors, inspired Han to pivot to the entertainment sector. Despite lacking prior experience in this field, he believed his strategic background could contribute significantly to the company.
Initially, Han intended to work in South Korea for a few years. However, six months after joining, he was asked to relocate to Japan. He expressed his commitment to transforming the organization, emphasizing the need for trust during the transition period.
Leadership and Organizational Growth
Han became President of Big Hit Solutions Japan (now HYBE JAPAN) in 2020, at a time when the company had fewer than 20 employees. Over the next six years, he undertook two major missions: establishing an autonomous solutions organization and developing original Japanese artists.
When he arrived, HYBE primarily relied on outsourcing for its operations. Han restructured the organization to ensure that internal staff managed various functions, from live production to merchandise. He conducted numerous interviews, hiring specialists from diverse fields to build a robust team capable of handling the company’s operations.
Han emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making. He spent over a year organizing customer data to understand purchasing behaviors and refine business strategies. This approach allowed for continuous improvement and growth within the organization.
The Launch of &TEAM
The second mission involved the development of &TEAM, HYBE’s first localized artist created outside of Korea. This initiative required extensive groundwork, including scouting for rehearsal spaces and drafting trainee contracts. The team navigated uncharted territory, building everything from scratch through collaborative discussions.
Han highlighted the significance of interpersonal excellence and problem-solving skills among his employees. He believes that fostering empathy and collaboration is crucial for driving business success. He encourages his team to communicate openly and work together to achieve common goals.
Strategic Goals for Global Expansion
Upon taking over as label head in June 2025, Han focused on promoting &TEAM’s goal of “Japan to Global.” He recognized the need to clarify the group’s identity as a Japanese act aiming for global recognition. His strategy involved increasing public awareness of &TEAM and ensuring they resonate with a broad audience.
The single “Go in Blind” achieved notable success, ranking fifth on Billboard Japan’s year-end single sales chart. To further promote their journey, Han initiated the documentary series &TEAM 100 Days Journey 〜Howling out to the World〜, which provided real-time insights into the group’s challenges and progress.
Navigating the K-Pop Landscape
Han explained that the decision to debut &TEAM in South Korea stemmed from the unique distribution structure of K-pop and Korean television. The ability to broadcast high-quality performances globally through platforms like YouTube was a significant factor in this strategy. He aims for &TEAM to serve as a cultural bridge, connecting Japanese culture with global audiences.
In addition to his work with &TEAM, Han has been leading THE CITY initiative since 2022, collaborating with local governments and businesses to create new entertainment experiences. He noted that despite advancements in technology allowing for livestreamed concerts, the value of in-person experiences has increased. This has led to innovative solutions, such as a merchandise pre-order system that enhances fan engagement while reducing wait times at events.
Economic Impact of Live Events
Han discussed the economic benefits of live events, emphasizing their role in revitalizing local communities. By creating a seamless experience for fans, including local specialty shops at concert venues, he aims to foster deeper connections between artists and their audiences.
The MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN initiative, launched in 2025, aims to promote Japanese artists on a global scale. Han expressed gratitude for the recognition received by HYBE MUSIC GROUP artists and hopes the awards will become a significant platform for launching Japanese talent into the international market.
As reported by www.billboard.com.
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Published on 2026-06-03 07:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk