Shin Seon-jeong, CEO of Big Hit Music, leads efforts in artist development, making significant contributions.
The awards highlight the role of female leaders, presenting a vision for the future of the K-Pop industry.
[TV Daily, Kim Han-gil] The 'Billboard Women in Music 2026' winners list has brought attention to female leaders in the K-pop industry, reaffirming its global influence.
On the 17th (local time), Billboard announced this year's award recipients on their official website, recognizing women artists and executives who have made significant impacts through innovative contributions within the music industry.
Kim Ji-won, CRO of SM Entertainment, along with Choi Jeong-min, CGO, were acknowledged in the 'Label, Distribution, and Artist Services' category. Having been selected last year as well, they received this honor for the second consecutive time. Kim Ji-won has played a vital role as a PR expert expanding K-pop's recognition through global media strategies, while Choi Jeong-min has led branding and business expansion in overseas markets.
From HYBE, Shin Seon-jeong, CEO of Big Hit Music, and Mitra Darrap, CEO of HYBE x Geffen Records, were chosen in the 'Multi-sector' category. Shin Seon-jeong has significantly contributed to the growth of BTS since the Big Hit Entertainment days and has spearheaded the development of an artist training and evaluation system. JYP Entertainment's Song Ji-eun, head of the One Label division and JYP Japan representative, was also included in the 'Label, Distribution, and Artist Services' category, recognized for his role in expanding into global markets, particularly in Japan.
This acknowledgment highlights the significant roles and impact of female leaders in the K-pop industry, interpreting their achievements as not only individual successes but also as a reflection of the global stature of the domestic entertainment industry. The recognition of both artists and executives underscores the structural growth of the K-pop sphere. The awards ceremony is set to take place on the 29th in Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles.
The consecutive recognition of female leaders in the K-pop industry goes beyond a mere award; it signifies the innovative changes and successes they lead. The achievements of Kim Ji-won and Choi Jeong-min serve as significant examples of how domestic entertainment companies effectively respond to global markets. Their strategic communication and marketing efforts are vital in promoting K-pop worldwide.
Shin Seon-jeong's contributions to the success of BTS, along with her advancements in artist discovery and training systems, significantly boost HYBE's market share and enhance the global acceptance of K-pop. Ongoing efforts aimed at developing K-pop are crucial for meeting the expectations of fans and the market.
Finally, the prominence of female executives highlighted by these awards presents a future vision for the K-pop industry. The growth and impact of these women underscore that their involvement is not just a matter of industry diversity, but they are poised to be central figures guiding the future of K-pop.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: SM Entertainment, HYBE
