HYBE, led by Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, has established its Indian subsidiary, HYBE India. This is the company’s fifth overseas headquarters, following HYBE Japan (YX Labels), HYBE America, HYBE Latin America, and HYBE China. The subsidiary was formally registered in Mumbai this month under the name HYBE India Entertainment Private Limited.
Mumbai, home to the Bollywood industry and a vibrant arts and performance scene, was chosen as the base due to its strategic cultural and entertainment significance. HYBE India’s mission statement, “WHERE VOICES OF INDIA BECOME GLOBAL STORIES,” reflects its ambition to discover and nurture local artists and connect them with audiences worldwide.
To achieve this, HYBE India plans to hold local auditions, establish a training system designed specifically for the Indian market, and support activities of HYBE’s global music groups in the region. By applying K-pop’s systematic training and production methods, it aims to build Indian acts that can resonate globally while staying true to local culture.
With a population of 1.46 billion, it is the world’s largest country by population and a major emerging hub for global content. According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India has around 185 million music streaming users, making it the second-largest market after the United States.
The move aligns with HYBE’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, a vision by Bang Si Hyuk to adapt the K-pop production and training system to different cultures. HYBE plans to apply its 360-degree capabilities—including artist development, album production, management, marketing, and concert planning—in India.
HYBE’s recent success with its global group KATSEYE highlights the potential of this strategy. The six-member act, formed through the audition program The Debut: Dream Academy, has already made a strong impact on international charts. Importantly, the group includes Indian member Lara Raj, who has been widely loved for her immense talent.
Industry analysts see HYBE’s expansion into India as a natural next step. By combining its proven artist development model with India’s rich cultural resources and massive music audience, HYBE India could serve as a launchpad for artists who bridge Indian identity with worldwide appeal.
Analysts expect that HYBE India’s success will depend on how well it balances local cultural tastes with global appeal.
