[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] Kim Hyun-jung, Deputy CEO of Big Hit Music, has been named to Billboard’s “2026 40 Under 40” list. She is the only Korean included on this list, which recognizes the next generation of leaders shaping the global music industry.

On the 30th (local time), Billboard announced 40 leaders under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves across the music industry, including artists, labels, platforms, management, and the live entertainment business.
Billboard highlighted Vice President Kim’s role in overseeing the overall operations and business of BTS and leading global projects. In particular, it cited her successful leadership of BTS’s comeback album “Arirang,” released last March, and the launch of their stadium tour as representative examples, noting that these achievements demonstrated new possibilities for K-pop artists’ global tours and intellectual property (IP) expansion strategies.
In an interview with Billboard, Vice President Kim stated, “The release of ‘Arirang’ is one of my proudest achievements,” adding, “The past 12 months have been filled with countless historic moments for BTS, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of that journey.”
Juan S. Arenas, Head of HYBE Global Label Services, was also named on this list. Billboard highlighted his key achievements, including establishing HYBE Latin America’s business foundation, leading the expansion into the Central and South American markets, and supporting the successful debut of the Latin pop group Santos Bravos.