BTS agency HYBE among TIME 100 most influential companies of 2021

HYBE, the agency behind global phenomenon BTS, has been named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential companies of 2021.

The company made it to the inaugural list which “highlights businesses making an extraordinary impact around the world.”

It was previously known as Big Hit Entertainment, a small talent agency that opened in 2005, grew exponentially and made its mark in the global entertainment industry.

The TIME report published Wednesday said that thanks to BTS, “arguably the biggest band in the world,” HYBE found itself in “rarefied air.”

“Like Disney before it, HYBE looks at each of its acts as intellectual property to be developed into a universe of fan-friendly experiences and products,” it said.

“In the case of BTS, that’s meant everything from logos on Samsung smartphones to virtual Fortnite parties.”

TIME also mentioned HYBE’s recent investments, such as over USD 60 million in YG Entertainment, Blackpink’s agency, and its acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings, the US firm managing Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, for USD 1 billion.

Aside from HYBE, other companies such as Google, Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna, Savage x Fenty, Netflix, TikTok, and Zoom were included in TIME magazine’s list. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News