SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, has appointed Isaac Lee as CEO and Chairman of Hybe America, expanding his current leadership role over Latin America to include the entire Western Hemisphere. The move reflects Hybe's broader push to streamline global operations and build stronger local networks in key music markets.
The entertainment powerhouse that nurtured top K-pop acts such as BTS and TXT said Wednesday that Lee, who has served as Chairman of Hybe Latin America since November 2023, will also lead its North American business. He retains his role at the Latin American unit, taking full charge of both regions.
Originally from Colombia, Lee is a veteran media executive who previously served as Chief Content Officer for Univision Communications and Televisa, two of the largest Spanish-language broadcasters. He also founded Exile Content, a global media company. His appointment to Hybe America comes just eight months after his recruitment as the first chairman of Hybe Latin America.
Hybe America operates several major labels, including Big Machine Label Group, Quality Control Media Holdings, and HYBE x Geffen Records. Its artist roster spans multiple genres and includes names such as Justin Moore, Lil Baby, and Katseye, the K-pop girl group created with Geffen.
"CEO Isaac Lee, with his proven creative vision and deep local network, is expected to expand the influence of Hybe artists across the Americas," the company said in a statement.
Scooter Braun, who led Hybe America after the 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings, has stepped down from the CEO role. He will remain on the board as a senior advisor. Braun has been widely credited for helping Hybe establish a foothold in the U.S. market.
Hybe also announced a leadership reshuffle in its Asia-Pacific music division. Yoo Dong-joo, formerly an executive at Kolon FnC, was named as the new head of Hybe Music Group APAC. Yoo has experience in both corporate strategy and fashion branding, having worked at Hyundai Motor Company and later launching and selling the sustainable fashion brand K.O.A. He also has a background in international development with the United Nations.
Hybe said Yoo is expected to contribute to the expansion of its impact-driven business approach in Asia and beyond.
Shin Young-jae, who previously led the APAC division, will now oversee a separate project focused on enhancing Hybe’s multi-home and multi-genre strategy.
Park Sae-jin Reporter swatchsjp@ajunews.com
