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Korea Herald
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Teddy's The Black Label is no longer in YG's shadow — it's shaping K-pop's future
From 'KPop Demon Hunters' original soundtrack hits to Blackpink's chart-topping comeback, powerhouse label redefines artist-led K-pop The Black Label, founded by legendary K-pop producer Teddy, has quietly — and now quite boldly — become one of the most influential labels in South Korea's music industry. Launched as a subsidiary under YG Entertainment, The Black Label was spun off in 2020 and now operates independently, with the former mother company remaining a key shareholder. Since then, it has grown into a creative powerhouse, driving some of the year's most talked-about projects — including multiple original tracks for "KPop Demon Hunters," the debut of coed group AllDay Project and Blackpink's latest chart-topping single, 'Jump.' Industry insiders point to three main reasons behind the label's recent string of high-profile achievements: Teddy's artist-first creative leadership, a streamlined production model and impeccable timing. Teddy's autonomous leadership, artist-centered vision At the heart of The Black Label's identity is Teddy himself, the former 1TYM rapper-turned-producer who built the sonic blueprint for K-pop's global wave. From Big Bang and 2NE1 to Blackpink, his unique musical awareness helped define generations of chart-toppers. Billboard named him one of the 'Top 50 Producers of the 21st Century' in 2021. What sets Teddy apart, insiders say, is his refusal to force conformity. Instead of standardizing choreography or vocal style, he encourages individuality — letting each artist's personality lead the performance. He avoids rigid training systems, a rarity in K-pop's manual-heavy idol development. That mindset has led to unexpected breakthroughs such as AllDay Project, a bold return of the coed group format, once considered outdated in the K-pop industry. AllDay Project debuted in June, becoming the first major mixed-gender idol group since KARD debuted eight years ago. Their first single, 'Famous,' shot to No. 1 on Melon's Top 100 chart just four days after release, and within 10 days, the group claimed its first music show win on Mnet's M Countdown. The label says there was no specific agenda behind launching a coed group. It was simply the kind of team they had always envisioned, and one that aligned with The Black Label's broader musical philosophy. 'We're not confined to just K-pop,' a label insider said. 'Teddy doesn't like being boxed in.' Lean, focused production model Unlike major entertainment conglomerates that juggle massive trainee rosters and dozens of groups, The Black Label is a boutique operation. It invests heavily in a small number of artists, with a custom-tailored strategy for each. That approach is paying off. Alongside Teddy, producers such as Kush, 24, Vince and Danny Chung have emerged as critical players. They were behind the original soundtrack for Netflix's animated hit, 'KPop Demon Hunters.' The film's breakout anthem 'Golden,' sung by fictional girl group Huntrix, soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Tuesday, from No. 4 — the highest position for any Korean song from an animated film. The movie's original soundtrack also features other viral tracks — 'How It's Done' by Huntrix, as well as 'Soda Pop' and 'Your Idol' by the supernatural boy band Saja Boyz — crafted by The Black Label's in-house team. The Black Label's producers were also central to Blackpink's long-awaited return earlier this month. The girl group's new single, 'Jump,' released on July 11, surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify on Tuesday, and debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts, proving the group's global staying power. Timing — and years of preparation Another factor behind The Black Label's recent momentum is patience. Nearly five years have passed since the label transitioned from a YG subsidiary to an independent YG Entertainment-associated company. That gave it time to build — slowly and deliberately — its own roster, style and strategy. Teddy holds a 42 percent stake in the company while YG is the company's third-largest shareholder. 'It takes five to six years to scout trainees, train them and get them ready to debut,' said a former YG executive on Tuesday. 'The Black Label was in that building phase for years. Now, it's finally bearing fruit. Teddy's creative vision, which he couldn't fully explore within YG, is now taking shape.' In late 2022, The Black Label appointed new CEO Jung Kyung-in to helm its business operations, freeing Teddy to focus entirely on production. Since then, the label's output has accelerated — but with the same commitment to quality over quantity. 'Teddy has stayed at the forefront of trends longer than almost any other K-pop producer,' said music critic Lim Hee-yun. 'He's worked as a rapper, songwriter and producer for nearly 30 years, and that experience has honed his instincts. He's sat through song camps and A&R processes and knows exactly what works — both in Korea and overseas.'
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Annie: The billionaire heiress who picked K-Pop over power suits
Ever wondered what it's like to walk away from guaranteed wealth to chase your dreams? Annie from All Day Project knows exactly what that feels like. As the daughter of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yoo-kyung, she could have easily stepped into a cushy corporate role worth millions. Instead, she chose the uncertain, demanding world of K-pop. During Mnet's 'Live Wire,' Annie opened up about her unconventional journey. "Rather than feeling burdened, I want to show more musically and performance-wise to change that perception in a positive direction," she explained when asked about being called "the chairman's daughter." The 10-Year Battle for Her Dreams Annie's path to stardom wasn't handed to her on a silver platter. She spent 10 years convincing her family to let her pursue music. The compromise? She had to get into an Ivy League university first. So she did - Columbia University, proving she could excel academically while never giving up on her musical aspirations. This wasn't about rebellion; it was about proving her commitment. In a country where academic achievement matters enormously, Annie satisfied her family's expectations while keeping her dreams alive. Her mother's love for Big Bang (she memorized every accessory in the "Fantastic Baby" music video) eventually helped bridge the gap between family expectations and entertainment industry dreams. Living Between Two Worlds Today, Annie navigates a unique duality. She's simultaneously a chaebol heiress and a struggling idol trying to prove herself. "Wherever I go, people talk about being 'the chairman's daughter,' and naturally, it's something I have to handle," she admitted with refreshing honesty. Unlike typical idol stories, Annie doesn't hide her privilege or manufacture struggles. She acknowledges her advantages while working twice as hard to earn respect through talent. Her All Day Project teammates - Woochan with his "Show Me The Money 6" background, Tarzan with American hip-hop influences, Youngseo as a former YouTube creator, and Bailey as a lifelong choreographer - each bring different stories, making their group feel authentically diverse. Redefining Success on Her Terms Annie's approach offers a new template for privileged youth entering competitive industries. Instead of expecting special treatment, she's asking for the chance to be judged by her artistic contributions rather than her family's wealth. Her mature handling of public scrutiny shows she's not running from her background but using it as motivation to work harder. In an industry where manufactured personas dominate, Annie's straightforward honesty feels revolutionary. She's proving that authenticity trumps carefully crafted backstories, creating a more relatable narrative for young audiences who appreciate genuine over manufactured struggle.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mixed Groups Are Making a Massive Comeback in K-Pop - You Won't Believe How One Group Started This Revolution
The Domino Effect That's Shaking Up K-Pop The ripple effect from All Day Project's debut has been absolutely insane. What started as one group's launch has now turned into a full-blown co-ed group renaissance, with established acts like KARD and TYPHOON jumping back into the spotlight. It's like watching dominoes fall, but in the best possible way. TYPHOON, featuring members Solbi, Woo Jae, and Won Seop, just confirmed their comeback after a whopping 2-year hiatus. They're dropping a new digital single called "Summer Dream" on July 11th, and honestly, the timing couldn't be more perfect. Their new track "Pongdang! Pook" promises that signature upbeat, sensual vibe that made them stand out in the first place. What's really cool is that all TYPHOON members participated in writing and composing this comeback track. The agency says they've blended that nostalgic 2000s mid-era sensitivity with today's trendy sound - basically giving us the best of both worlds. KARD's Strategic Return After Years in the Shadows Meanwhile, KARD (featuring Jeon Ji Woo, Jeon So Min, and BM) already made their move on July 2nd with their 8th mini-album "Drift". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 노안+백내장 안보이는 답답함! 더는 방치 하지 마세요! 부산백내장노안 전문안과 더 알아보기 Undo This marks their first comeback in about a year since their 7th mini-album dropped last August, and the timing feels incredibly strategic. Here's what's fascinating - KARD has been around since July 2017, making them 9-year veterans in the industry. They've been carrying the torch for co-ed groups all this time, but their domestic presence was pretty minimal. Now, thanks to All Day Project's success, they're finally getting the recognition they deserve on home turf. The members themselves acknowledged this golden opportunity, saying it's "a good time to showcase the charm of mixed groups" and expressing gratitude that "thanks to All Day Project, we're being mentioned once more". They're even holding their first domestic concert in about 5 years later this month - talk about perfect timing! The All Day Project Phenomenon That Started It All The catalyst for this entire movement? All Day Project, launched by producer Teddy's The Black Label on June 23rd. This marked the agency's first-ever co-ed group, and boy, did they make an entrance. The buzz got even crazier when it was revealed that member Annie is the daughter of Shinsegae Group's chairman Jung Yoo-kyung. But it's not just the celebrity connections driving their success. Their debut track "Famous" has been absolutely crushing it - topping domestic music charts, entering Billboard's Global 200 chart, and even snagging music show wins. The numbers don't lie, and they're proving that co-ed groups can compete with the biggest names in K-pop. The success feels reminiscent of how mixed groups like Little Mix dominated the Western pop scene, showing that when done right, the male-female dynamic creates something truly special that resonates across cultures. A New Chapter for K-Pop's Most Underrated Format What we're witnessing isn't just a few comebacks - it's a fundamental shift in how the industry views co-ed groups. For years, these acts were treated as novelties or experimental projects, but All Day Project's mainstream success has opened doors that seemed permanently closed. The timing couldn't be better either. With K-pop's global reach at an all-time high, international audiences are more open to diverse group formats than ever before. Mixed groups offer something unique - a different energy, varied vocal ranges, and performance dynamics that pure boy or girl groups simply can't replicate. It's exciting to see these artists finally getting their moment. After years of being overshadowed by the traditional idol group formula, co-ed acts are proving they have staying power and genuine artistic merit. The fact that established groups like KARD are experiencing renewed interest while newcomers like All Day Project are breaking records suggests this isn't just a trend - it's a legitimate evolution in K-pop's landscape.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
ALL DAY Project updates: Group members under fire for cultural appropriation and ‘chaebol' status—netizens react
The latest Korean pop group, titled 'All Day Project,' has been making rounds online ever since all of the members of the group were announced. The group has managed to garner a lot of traction even before their official debut; however, a lot of the attention on the group has come for all the wrong reasons. Some of the group members are being heavily criticized by netizens online, with some even calling for the removal of one of the members. Member Lee Chaewon was criticized for cultural appropriation and for supporting a convicted felon One of the most controversial members of the new pop group is Lee Chae Won. Chae Won, who is oftentimes referred to by his stage name 'Tarzzan,' is arguably one of the most controversial members of ALLDAY. The model-turned-idol has been heavily criticized by the masses for wearing cornrows and other kinds of braids. The idol has, time and again, shared photos and videos featuring the hairstyle. The most recent incident caused a lot of outrage, however, when even his promotional posters were filled with him sporting the hairstyle. Beyond that, a lot of people also dug into his social media platforms and found out that he even follows Tory Lanez. Lanez is a Canadian rapper who has previously been convicted of using a handgun against Megan Thee Stallion . Due to this, many fans have called for the removal of Tarzzan from the official group. Annie Moon 's 'chaebol' status One of the members of the group, Annie Moon, was originally supposed to be a part of the K-pop girl group MEOVV under the same label. Her name, however, came up when the official announcement for the members of ALL DAY was made. The reason for negative criticism against Moon comes from her family history. She is allegedly the granddaughter of the chairman of one of the top brands of phones and electronics in South Korea. Many criticized her status and even called her out for being in the group. Many even called out how she is only becoming more and more popular due to her 'chaebol' status.
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Shinsegae heiress Moon Seo-yoon to debut in new co-ed K-pop group
Shinsegae heiress, former Illit member and former Big Hit Music traniee to debut as AllDay Project A Shinsegae scion's long-rumored debut in the K-pop scene has been confirmed, with Moon Seo-yoon, the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Group president Chung Yoo-kyung, revealed as a member of an upcoming co-ed K-pop group. On Monday, The Black Label unveiled teaser photos and member profiles for AllDay Project, confirming the group's debut date as June 23. The five-member act includes Moon, referred to as Annie, alongside former Illit member Youngseo, former BigHit Music trainee Woochan, renowned dancer and choreographer Bailey, and model Tarzzan. Annie, a student at Columbia University, is the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chair Lee Myung-hee. Rumors of her potential idol debut have circulated since last year, drawing considerable public attention. AllDay Project marks The Black Label's second idol group following Meovv, and is produced by Teddy, the label's founder and chief producer. Diverse teaser content will be gradually released in the lead-up to the group's debut date.
