HYBE India Launch 2025: K-Pop Giant Eyes 1.4 Billion Market After Global Success
The company behind BTS and SEVENTEEN officially confirms September expansion as international wins validate strategy
HYBE Corporation has confirmed plans to launch operations in India by September 2025, targeting the country's massive 1.4 billion population as part of Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's aggressive global expansion strategy.
The K-pop powerhouse announced on June 30 that it's "currently conducting local market research and handling the practicalities of setting up the corporation, with the goal of launching around September or October."
This move comes as HYBE's "Multi-home, Multi-genre" strategy-adapting K-pop's systematic approach to local markets-proves successful worldwide. As Bang Si-hyuk puts it: "To survive, we must export the K-pop business model-not just the music."
The strategy transforms K-pop from a musical genre into a comprehensive methodology for developing what HYBE calls "super intellectual properties based on devoted fans."
US Success: KATSEYE's Billboard Breakthrough
HYBE's girl group KATSEYE made headlines by debuting at No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Gnarly" in May 2025-their first chart entry less than a year after debut. The multinational group, formed through HYBE's partnership with Geffen Records, demonstrates how K-pop training methods can succeed in Western markets.
Japan Dominance: &TEAM's Triple Platinum
In Japan, HYBE's boy group &TEAM achieved Triple Platinum certification for their single "Go in Blind," shipping over 800,000 copies. The group has earned certifications for every physical release since their 2022 debut.
Latin America Growth: Telemundo Partnership
HYBE Latin America launched "Pase a la Fama" on Telemundo in June 2025, a competition series seeking new Regional Mexican bands. Winners receive $100,000 and recording contracts with HYBE Latin America.
HYBE's expansion relies on strategic acquisitions:
- 2021: $1 billion acquisition of Ithaca Holdings (Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber)
- February 2023: $320 million acquisition of QC Media Holdings (Lil Baby, Migos)
- 2023: Acquisition of Exile Music to enter Latin markets
Latin America's recorded music revenues rose 22.5% in 2024, significantly outpacing the global 4.8% growth rate. India's developing entertainment market presents similar potential.
For Indian K-pop fans, HYBE's entry raises hopes for live concerts featuring major acts like BTS and SEVENTEEN-events that could transform the country's entertainment landscape.
A HYBE representative stated: "If this trend continues, we could witness a transformative shift in the global music landscape traditionally dominated by the Big 3 companies."
The company's systematic approach-combining local cultural sensitivity with proven development methodologies-positions it to challenge established music industry leaders.
As HYBE prepares for India, the company appears ready to replicate its multi-market formula: strategic partnerships, comprehensive artist development, and K-pop's systematic fan engagement approach.
With successful operations across the US, Japan, and Latin America, India represents HYBE's biggest test yet-adapting their proven methodology to one of the world's most diverse and complex entertainment markets.
