HYBE’s Japan headquarters, HYBE Japan, has recruited a local expert to discover and develop intellectual property tailored to the local market and to expand its business.

HYBE Japan said on July 7 it created a new "J-pop chief producer" role and newly appointed Mich Iijima (이이지마 미치). Iijima previously handled long-term management and producing for Japan’s national group SMAP and participated in planning various content, including the film "Midnight Swan," which won the best picture award at the 44th Japan Academy Film Prize.

After joining HYBE Japan, Iijima will be responsible for a wide range of areas, from planning and producing artist IP and establishing activity strategies to creative work and producing. The company plans to strengthen its strategy to discover next-generation J-pop artists by combining his experience and deep knowledge of the local industry with its artist development system. Iijima will also concurrently serve as CEO of CULEN, the entertainment agency he founded.

The hire is part of HYBE’s mid- to long-term growth strategy, "HYBE 2.0." HYBE Japan said it has been putting its "multi-home, multi-genre" strategy into practice in Japan to secure a leading business position by reflecting local culture and market characteristics, and will step up Japan market-tailored business using this appointment as a catalyst.

Iijima said, "At a time when the entertainment industry is at a turning point, I am convinced the future lies in fandom." He added, "Through the fusion of fandom and entertainment, I will work to broaden the possibilities of Japanese entertainment and ensure that artists and content born in Japan are loved for a long time."

Kim Young-min (김영민), chairman of HYBE Japan, said, "The synergy between chief producer Mich Iijima’s outstanding producing capabilities and HYBE’s global infrastructure will inject fresh vitality into Japan’s music market and present projects loved by fans."