Isaac Lee, currently Chairman of HYBE Latin America, will also take on the role of Chairman and CEO of HYBE America, the company’s North American branch. HYBE announced the appointment on July 1 that Lee would oversee operations in both South and North America.
Scooter Braun is stepping down as CEO of HYBE America and will stay on as a board member and senior advisor to Bang Si Hyuk. He will also work on new projects outside HYBE while remaining involved with the company. Braun, HYBE’s second-largest individual shareholder, joined in 2021 when HYBE bought his Ithaca Holdings.
He served as co-CEO with Lenzo Yoon until January 2023, then became sole CEO. His successor, Isaac Lee, will lead both HYBE South and North America.
Originally from Colombia, Lee is known for his extensive experience in Spanish-language media as the former Chief Content Officer of Univision Communications and Televisa.
He also founded Exile Content, a comprehensive music company. Since HYBE established its Latin American division in November 2023, Lee has led its South American business and will now oversee North America as well.
HYBE expects the integrated leadership to create synergy and boost competitiveness in the Americas. HYBE America manages major labels such as Big Machine Label Group, which is home to country artists like Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett; QC Media Holdings, a leading hip-hop label with artists including Lil Baby and Quavo; and HYBE x Geffen Records, which recently debuted KTATSEYE, known for hits like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela.”
Regarding Isaac Lee’s appointment as the new CEO, HYBE shared
We expect that the new CEO, Isaac Lee, with his outstanding planning skills, deep understanding of the local market, and strong network, will contribute to the growth of HYBE America’s business and help expand the influence of HYBE’s Korean music group artists in North America.
Meanwhile, Yoo Dong Joo, former Kolon FnC Managing Director, is now CEO of HYBE Music Group APAC, which oversees K-pop music operations. Yoo previously worked in international development at the UN and Hyundai Motor, and founded the eco-friendly brand KOA. At Kolon FnC, he led new impact projects and global strategy. Outgoing CEO Shin Young Jae will now help drive HYBE’s ‘multi-home, multi-genre’ vision forward. Recently, HYBE established a Chinese subsidiary and plans to venture into the Indian market.
