Long before BTS transformed HYBE into a global music corporation, the company’s initial foray into the music scene started with a balladeer, Lee Hyun. Blessed with his soulful voice, Lee started with BigHit Music as a member of the co-ed group 8eight, before solidifying himself as a solo artist with hit ballads. Read on to know Lee Hyun’s thoughts on how the company has changed and what his journey has been.
Lee Hyun On HYBE’s Extraordinary Success
Now, coming back after his first mini-album in over 13 years, the singer looked back on his career and how the company he co-founded has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse.
In an interview with The Korea Times, Lee Hyun reflected on BigHit’s modest start as a small label with a narrow focus on detailed production and meticulous artist development. He mentioned that this careful approach to creating music still exists today, though on a much larger scale. With an extensive A&R network and hundreds of producers submitting demos, HYBE’s operations now function on a scale unimaginable during his early days.
Lee described his hiatus as a period of introspection, during which he learned music production and explored musicals before returning to the studio to record. His comeback mini album A(E)ND was carefully crafted from over 100 demos, showcasing his mature focus on ballads. While he initially gained fame with emotionally raw songs like You Are the Best of My Life, he now believes that restraint and subtlety define the modern ballad genre.
As HYBE’s first artist, Lee has witnessed the company’s extraordinary growth firsthand. From creating soulful ballads in a small studio to having global superstars and influencing pop culture under its banner, the journey has been remarkable. Lee credits this success to the stability of its creative process, which he says has always been rooted in a strong musical core.
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About Lee Hyun’s Upcoming Project
While gearing up to take his new work on stage, Lee is also planning for the future. With 8eight’s 20th anniversary looming, talks are already ongoing for a commemorative album, bringing his legacy with HYBE full circle.
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