K-pop's future is being influenced by Teddy's The Black Label, formerly under YG Entertainment's shadow.
The Black Label: A Rising Star in the K-pop Industry
The Black Label, an independent music label based in South Korea, has made a significant impact in the K-pop industry since its inception in 2025. Founded by renowned producer Teddy Park, who previously worked at YG Entertainment, the label operates as an affiliate rather than a direct sub-label, offering it a degree of autonomy in artist development and production.
Teddy's reputation and network within the industry, built on his successful production work for major K-pop acts such as BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, have been instrumental in the label's rise to prominence. The Black Label's achievements include the launch of the successful co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT, whose first single "FAMOUS" reached No. 1 on Melon’s Top 100 chart just four days after debut, and won first place on Mnet's "M Countdown" within 10 days.
In addition to ALLDAY PROJECT, The Black Label manages notable solo artists like Jeon Somi, whose debut single "Birthday," produced by Teddy, achieved strong commercial success. Rosé of BLACKPINK is also associated with The Black Label for her solo activities.
The label has also expanded its reach beyond conventional music releases, as seen in the soundtrack for the Netflix animation K-pop Demon Hunters, composed by Teddy and in-house producers such as Kush, 24, and others. The OST featured fictional K-pop acts whose songs went viral, showcasing The Black Label's innovative approach and cultural reach.
As an independent entity affiliated with YG Entertainment, The Black Label operates independently in managing its artists and production teams, allowing creative freedom and a distinctive brand identity. The label's success is attributed to three main reasons: Teddy's artist-first creative leadership, a streamlined production model, and impeccable timing.
In late 2022, the label appointed new CEO Jung Kyung-in, freeing Teddy to focus entirely on production. The Black Label's recent projects include multiple original tracks for "KPop Demon Hunters" and Blackpink's latest chart-topping single, "Jump." The label's producers were central to Blackpink's long-awaited return earlier this month, working on the group's new single.
With Teddy's unique approach to leadership, which encourages individuality among artists and avoids rigid training systems, The Black Label continues to stand out in the K-pop industry. The label's success is a testament to its commitment to quality production and artist management, and it continues to drive some of the year's most talked-about projects.
The Black Label's innovative approach, as demonstrated by the successful co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT and solo artists like Jeon Somi, provides an entertaining blend of music that continues to captivate audiences in the K-pop industry. Moreover, the label's expansion into non-traditional music releases, such as the soundtrack for the Netflix animation K-pop Demon Hunters, showcases their talent for integrating music into diverse forms of entertainment.
