[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] HYBE announced on the 7th that it has appointed Michi Iijima, a former manager of SMAP—a group widely regarded as Japan’s national idol group—as the Head of J-Pop Production at HYBE Japan, a newly created position.

Executive Producer Michi Iijima has worked in the local entertainment industry since 1978, handling the management and production of various artists, including SMAP, as well as planning video content. He has been active not only in music but also in dramas, variety shows, and films; the film “Midnight Swan,” which he produced, won the Best Picture award at the 44th Japan Academy Film Awards.
As Executive Producer, Iijima will be responsible for artist intellectual property (IP) planning and production, developing activity strategies, and production at HYBE Japan, HYBE’s Japanese headquarters. He will also continue to serve as CEO of CULEN, the talent agency he founded.
Executive Producer Iijima stated, “As the entertainment industry reaches a major turning point, I am convinced that the future lies in fandom. Through the convergence of fandom and entertainment, I will expand the possibilities of Japanese entertainment and strive to ensure that artists and content born in Japan are loved for a long time to come.”
HYBE aims to use this appointment as an opportunity to further accelerate the discovery of artist IP tailored to the Japanese market and the expansion of its business operations there.
Kim Young-min, Chairman of HYBE Japan, said, “We expect synergy to emerge from Executive Producer Iijima’s outstanding producing capabilities and HYBE’s global infrastructure. We will breathe new life into the Japanese music market by presenting projects that are loved by fans.”