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Korea Herald
3 days ago
- 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has led to unexpected breakthroughs such as AllDay Project, a bold return of the coed group format, once considered outdated in the K-pop industry.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
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Metro...In Dino' actor Kush Jotwani talks about his bonding with Aditya Roy Kapur
Actor Kush Jotwani , who was seen as Anand in Anurag Basu 's recently released "Metro In Dino", reflected on his bonding with co-star Aditya Roy Kapur . During an exclusive conversation with IANS, Kush revealed that he met Aditya for the first time while shooting " Dino". Speaking to IANS, he said, "Initially, I was mindful about not overstepping any comfort boundaries, but he quickly made me feel at ease. He asked about my life, and that helped build a strong bond. We spoke about bikes, travel, and vacations." Calling it a beautiful experience, Kush shared that he also spent quality time with director Basu during the shoot. Dino | Song - Ishq Ya Tharak Sharing his experience of working with the 'Ludo' maker, Kush said, "Anurag Basu sir is someone you truly understand only once you've worked with him. On set, he's everywhere-sometimes behind the camera, sometimes directing, sometimes even being the DOP! His brother handles the camera too." He added that Basu is both fun and unpredictable- one moment he'll be cracking jokes or dancing with a wig on, and the next he'll be singing or enjoying snacks with us. However, when it comes to work, he's extremely focused. Kush added, "His process is unique and a great learning experience for any actor. There's no stress, just creativity flowing." He was seen sharing screen space with a talented cast in the movie, including Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Ali Fazal. Talking about working with such a gifted cast, Kush termed the experience as "wonderful". He shared, "They're all such lovely human beings. At first, I was nervous because it was my first time working with such big names, and naturally, there was some pressure. But once I got on set and spent some time around them, I realized they're all so grounded and easygoing. We spoke a lot, and the experience became truly enjoyable."
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
India's Kush Maini headlines Alpine‘s Goodwood line-up
Alpine Formula One team reserve driver Kush Maini led the side on the opening day of the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex, doing the iconic Hill Climb in the podium-finishing A523 - Alpine's 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship challenger. This marked Kush's second appearance at Goodwood, where he served as Alpine's flagbearer, helping kick off the team's 70th anniversary celebrations.. Driving the A523, Kush led a spectacular Alpine showcase up the hill, including the classic A110 Berlinette, the A110 R, the A290, the all-new A390, and the Alpenglow concept hyper-car. Currently competing in FIA Formula 2, Kush was Alpine's sole representative at Thursday's Formula 1 demonstration alongside other F1 teams, as the festival marked 75 years of the sport. The A523 was driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly to fifth in the 2023 FIA Formula One Constructors' World Championship, achieving two impressive podiums in the Monaco and Dutch Grands Prix and third place in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race.. The 2023 car was adorned in the team's 2025 livery with its striking blue and pink racing colours. Owing to his commitment with Mahindra Racing's Formula E team at the Berlin Rookie Test, Kush's appearance at the Festival of Speed was short-lived. Kush said, 'What a drive it was taking on the Hill Climb in the A523 after sampling the E20 last year. Goodwood is definitely an event for the fans and I loved seeing people come out in numbers.'
News18
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Kush Maini Leads Alpine On F1's 75th Anniversary At Goodwood Festival
Last Updated: Kush Maini, Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver, led the team's presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving the A523. He showcased Alpine models and represented India. BWT Alpine Formula One Team Reserve Driver Kush Maini led the team's presence on the opening day of the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, tackling the iconic Hill Climb in the podium-finishing A523—Alpine's 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship challenger. This event marked Kush's second appearance at Goodwood, where he served as Alpine's flagbearer, helping kick off the team's 70th anniversary celebrations. Driving the A523, Kush headed a spectacular Alpine showcase up the hill, featuring the classic A110 Berlinette, the A110 R, the A290, the all-new A390, and the Alpenglow concept hypercar. Currently competing in FIA Formula 2, Kush, as the reserve driver, was Alpine's sole representative at Thursday's Formula 1 demonstration alongside other F1 teams, as the festival celebrated 75 years of the sport. In October of 2023, it was announced that Maini would join the Alpine Academy. He had his first-ever Formula One test at the Red Bull Ring, piloting the Alpine A522, an experience he described as 'a dream come true." Over the next half-year, Maini participated in additional tests with Alpine at Imola, Yas Marina, and Lusail. In March 2025, Maini was named one of the test and reserve drivers for Alpine for the 2025 season, along with Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto, and Ryō Hirakawa. The A523, driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, secured fifth place in the 2023 FIA Formula One Constructors' World Championship, achieving two impressive podiums in the Monaco and Dutch Grands Prix and third place in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race. The 2023 car was adorned in the team's 2025 livery with its striking blue and pink racing colours. 'It was a pleasure to return to Goodwood after my first visit last year and help celebrate 75 years of Formula One and 70 years of Alpine. What a drive it was taking on the Hill Climb in the A523 after sampling the E20 last year. Goodwood is definitely an event for the fans and I loved seeing people come out in numbers," Kush said. With IANS Inputs view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 13:37 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Gazette
Celebrating 75 years of F1: Kush Maini headlines Alpine's Goodwood line-up
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): BWT Alpine Formula One Team Reserve Driver Kush Maini led the team's presence on the opening day of the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking on the iconic Hill Climb in the podium-finishing A523-Alpine's 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship challenger, according to a release from Formula One. This marked Kush's second appearance at Goodwood, where he served as Alpine's flagbearer, helping kick off the team's 70th anniversary celebrations. Driving the A523, Kush led a spectacular Alpine showcase up the hill, including the classic A110 Berlinette, the A110 R, the A290, the all-new A390, and the Alpenglow concept hypercar. Currently competing in FIA Formula 2, Kush, being the reserve driver, was Alpine's sole representative at Thursday's Formula 1 demonstration alongside other F1 teams, as the festival marked 75 years of the sport. The A523 was driven by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly to fifth in the 2023 FIA Formula One Constructors' World Championship, achieving two impressive podiums in the Monaco and Dutch Grands Prix and third place in the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race. The 2023 car was adorned in the team's 2025 livery with its striking blue and pink racing colours. Owing to his commitment with Mahindra Racing's Formula E team at the Berlin Rookie Test, Kush's appearance at the Festival of Speed was short-lived. Nevertheless, representing India at this iconic event, he continues to lead the country's motorsport charge across global platforms. 'It was a pleasure to return to Goodwood after my first visit last year and help celebrate 75 years of Formula One and 70 years of Alpine. What a drive it was taking on the Hill Climb in the A523 after sampling the E20 last year. Goodwood is definitely an event for the fans, and I loved seeing people come out in numbers,' Kush Maini said. (ANI)
