South Korea’s Hybe Corporation has formally launched operations in India, marking its fifth overseas headquarters after the U.S., Japan, Latin America, and China. The Mumbai-based unit will scout and train Indian talent with the goal of creating homegrown stars who can join Hybe’s global artist roster.
Executives said India was chosen because of its rapidly expanding music market and the surging popularity of K-pop among Indian youth. Nationwide auditions are expected to begin soon, with the company planning to replicate its proven trainee system adapted for local culture.
India, now the world’s fastest growing music streaming market with more than 185 million listeners, offers fertile ground for Hybe’s expansion. By tapping into this audience, Hybe aims to blend Indian talent with its global production model, potentially creating the next wave of Asian stars.
However, the expansion comes as Hybe faces turbulence back home. In July, South Korean police raided the company’s headquarters as part of an investigation into alleged unfair share trading linked to its 2020 IPO and possible misconduct by founder Bang Si-hyuk. While Hybe has denied wrongdoing, the ongoing probe casts a shadow over its otherwise ambitious growth strategy.
The big question now: Can Hybe balance global expansion with regulatory compliance, and will India become its next breakthrough market outside Korea?