}}
}}
”’Belift Lab”’ is a South Korean entertainment company and [[record label]], founded in September 2018 as a [[joint venture]] between HYBE and CJ ENM. The label focuses on developing and managing K‑pop artists for the global market and is best known for forming the boy group [[ENHYPEN]] through the 2020 survival show “I‑LAND” and the girl group [[ILLIT]], formed via the audition program “[[R U Next?]]” In 2023, HYBE acquired full ownership of Belift Lab<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />, making it a subsidiary while allowing it to operate independently within HYBE’s multi‑label system.
”’Belift Lab”’ is a South Korean entertainment company and [[record label]], founded in September 2018 as a [[joint venture]] between HYBE and CJ ENM. The label focuses on developing and managing artists for the global market and is best known for forming the boy group [[ENHYPEN]] through the 2020 survival show and the girl group [[ILLIT]], formed via the audition program [[R U Next?]] In 2023, HYBE acquired full ownership of Belift Lab<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />, making it a subsidiary while allowing it to operate independently within system.
== History ==
== History ==
=== 2018: Founding ===
=== 2018: Founding ===
In September 2018, Belift Lab was founded as a joint venture between HYBE and CJ ENM, aiming to develop and manage new K‑pop artists for the global market by combining HYBE’s production expertise with CJ ENM’s media and promotion capabilities.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />
In September 2018, Belift Lab was founded as a joint venture between HYBE and CJ ENM, aiming to develop and manage new artists for the global market by combining production expertise with CJ media and promotion capabilities.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />
=== 2019: Early Development and Global Auditions ===
=== 2019: Early Development and Global Auditions ===
After being founded in late 2018, Belift Lab began its first major initiatives in 2019 with plans to build a new K‑pop group scheduled for debut in 2020. In March 2019, the company officially announced its formation and launched global auditions to recruit male trainees who could potentially debut as part of a future idol group. These auditions were held in multiple regions, including South Korea, the United States, Japan, and other countries, aiming to scout talent with international potential.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />
After being founded in late 2018, Belift Lab began its first major initiatives in 2019 with plans to build a new group scheduled for debut in 2020. In March 2019, the company officially announced its formation and launched global auditions to recruit male trainees who could potentially debut as part of a future idol group. These auditions were held in multiple regions, including South Korea, the United States, Japan, and other countries, aiming to scout talent with international potential.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift” />
=== 2020: I-LAND and the Formation of ENHYPEN ===
=== 2020: I-LAND and the Formation of ENHYPEN ===
In 2020, Belift Lab organized the survival [[reality show]] I‑LAND in collaboration with [[Mnet]] and CJ ENM to create a new K‑pop boy group. The program featured trainees competing in missions and evaluations for a place in the final lineup. Global fan participation through voting was included in the selection process, and the show received coverage as an international audition and development platform.<ref name=”En-Connect”>{{Cite web |title=2021 ENHYPEN FANMEETING “EN–CONNECT” |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/contents_view.htm?menu_cate=artist&board_seq=397570&page=30 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=world.kbs.co.kr |language=en}}</ref>
In 2020, Belift Lab organized the survival [[reality show]] in collaboration with [[Mnet]] and CJ ENM to create a new boy group. The program featured trainees competing in missions and evaluations for a place in the final lineup. Global fan participation through voting was included in the selection process, and the show received coverage as an international audition and development platform.<ref name=”En-Connect”>{{Cite web |title=2021 ENHYPEN FANMEETING – |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/contents_view.htm?menu_cate=artist&board_seq=397570&page=30 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=world.kbs.co.kr |language=en}}</ref>
By September 2020, seven trainees were selected to debut as the boy group ENHYPEN: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, [[Sunghoon (singer, born 2002)|Sunghoon]], Sunoo, and [[Nishimura Riki|Ni‑ki]].
By September 2020, seven trainees were selected to debut as the boy group ENHYPEN: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, [[Sunghoon (singer, born 2002)|Sunghoon]], Sunoo, and [[Nishimura Riki|]].
In the months following the conclusion of the show, Belift Lab released promotional materials for ENHYPEN, including concept teasers, official member profiles, and merchandise announcements. On November 30, 2020, ENHYPEN debuted with their first mini‑album, [[Border: Day One]], featuring the lead single Given‑Taken. The album received significant preorders and online engagement, reflecting fan interest both domestically and internationally.
In the months following the conclusion of the show, Belift Lab released promotional materials for ENHYPEN, including concept teasers, official member profiles, and merchandise announcements. On November 30, 2020, ENHYPEN debuted with their first , [[Border: Day One]], featuring the lead single . The album received significant preorders and online engagement, reflecting fan interest both domestically and internationally.
Following their debut, ENHYPEN gained further recognition after winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 [[Golden Disc Awards]], with coverage noting the group’s formation through global fan participation and the response to their debut release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-30 |title=”Global fan-made band” Enhypen debuts with album ‘Border: Day One’ |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/11/30/entertainment/kpop/Enhypen-Belift-Lab-BTS/20201130185300522.html |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”En-Connect” />
Following their debut, ENHYPEN gained further recognition after winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 [[Golden Disc Awards]], with coverage noting the formation through global fan participation and the response to their debut release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-30 |title=”Global fan-made band” Enhypen debuts with album ‘Border: Day One’ |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/11/30/entertainment/kpop/Enhypen-Belift-Lab-BTS/20201130185300522.html |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”En-Connect” />
=== 2021: Continued promotions and releases ===
=== 2021: Continued promotions and releases ===
ENHYPEN held their first fan meeting, titled “EN‑CONNECT,” at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, from February 6 to 7, 2021, with the event also [[streamed]] online on February 7, providing an opportunity to interact with fans and celebrate milestones such as their debut and winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 Golden Disc Awards.<ref name=”En-Connect” />
ENHYPEN held their first fan meeting, titled , at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, from February 6 to 7, 2021, with the event also [[streamed]] online on February 7, providing an opportunity to interact with fans and celebrate milestones such as their debut and winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 Golden Disc Awards.<ref name=”En-Connect” />
On April 16, 2021, ENHYPEN revealed the tracklist for their second [[extended play]], BORDER: CARNIVAL, through their official social media channels. The album consists of six tracks, including an intro and an outro. The lead single, “[[Drunk-Dazed]],” is a [[pop-rock]] song produced by Wonderkid and [[Bang Si-hyuk]]. The album also includes “Intro: The Invitation,” “FEVER,” a modern [[pop-R&B]] track, “Not For Sale,” which explores contemporary teenage experiences, “Mixed Up,” featuring synthesizer and electric guitar elements, and “Outro: The Wormhole,” which concludes the BORDER series.
On April 16, 2021, ENHYPEN revealed the tracklist for their second [[extended play]], BORDER: CARNIVAL, through their official social media channels. The album consists of six tracks, including an intro and an outro. The lead single, “[[Drunk-Dazed]],” is a [[pop-rock]] song produced by Wonderkid and [[Bang Si-hyuk]]. The album also includes “Intro: The Invitation,” “FEVER,” a modern [[pop-R&B]] track, “Not For Sale,” which explores contemporary teenage experiences, “Mixed Up,” featuring synthesizer and electric guitar elements, and “Outro: The Wormhole,” which concludes the BORDER series.
BORDER: CARNIVAL was released on April 26, 2021, in three versions—UP, HYPE, and DOWN—each offering a different visual concept.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ENHYPEN, 새 앨범 트랙리스트 공개…타이틀곡 ‘Drunk–Dazed’ |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/609/0000429194 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=m.entertain.naver.com |language=ko}}</ref>
BORDER: CARNIVAL was released on April 26, 2021, in three versions—UP, HYPE, and DOWN—each offering a different visual concept.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ENHYPEN, 새 앨범 트랙리스트 공개…타이틀곡 – |url=https://m.entertain.naver.com/home/article/609/0000429194 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=m.entertain.naver.com |language=ko}}</ref>
On August 26, 2021, five members of ENHYPEN—Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon—tested positive for COVID-19. The group had entered [[self-quarantine]] on August 26 after a staff member tested positive, and were classified as close contacts by government authorities the following day. Jake initially developed symptoms, including a cough and fever, on August 29 and tested positive on August 30. The remaining four members subsequently showed similar symptoms and were confirmed positive through PCR testing. All five were admitted to treatment facilities according to public health guidelines, and Belift Lab stated that they were exhibiting mild symptoms and would receive full support during their recovery.
On August 26, 2021, five members of ENHYPEN—Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon—tested positive for COVID-19. The group had entered [[self-quarantine]] on August 26 after a staff member tested positive, and were classified as close contacts by government authorities the following day. Jake initially developed symptoms, including a cough and fever, on August 29 and tested positive on August 30. The remaining four members subsequently showed similar symptoms and were confirmed positive through PCR testing. All five were admitted to treatment facilities according to public health guidelines, and Belift Lab stated that they were exhibiting mild symptoms and would receive full support during their recovery.
The agency also confirmed that following the COVID-19 case at the production site on August 25, all others present, including the remaining ENHYPEN members, tested negative and self-quarantined, reducing the risk of further spread. Fans, particularly in the Philippines, expressed support using the hashtag #AlwaysWithENHYPEN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=You-mee |first=Hwang |date=2021-09-02 |title=Enhypen members positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/2682889 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=The Korea Herald |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Acar |first=Aedrianne |title=Five ENHYPEN members diagnosed with COVID-19 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/five-enhypen-members-diagnosed-with-covid-19/80159/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}}</ref>
The agency also confirmed that following the COVID-19 case at the production site on August 25, all others present, including the remaining ENHYPEN members, tested negative and self-quarantined, reducing the risk of further spread. Fans, particularly in the Philippines, expressed support using the hashtag #AlwaysWithENHYPEN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=You-mee |first=Hwang |date=2021-09-02 |title=Enhypen members positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/2682889 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=The Korea Herald |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Acar |first=Aedrianne |title=Five ENHYPEN members diagnosed with COVID-19 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/five-enhypen-members-diagnosed-with-covid-19/80159/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}}</ref>
ENHYPEN released their first studio album, [[Dimension: Dilemma]], following the conclusion of their BORDER series. The album continues the group’s narrative, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery as the members navigate challenges in a new and complex environment. Dimension: Dilemma features three visual concepts—SCYLLA, CHARYBDIS, and ODYSSEUS—representing the members’ personal growth, internal conflicts, and emerging desires. The album consists of eight tracks:
ENHYPEN released their first studio album, [[Dimension: Dilemma]], following the conclusion of their BORDER series. The album continues the narrative, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery as the members navigate challenges in a new and complex environment. Dimension: Dilemma features three visual concepts—SCYLLA, CHARYBDIS, and ODYSSEUS—representing the personal growth, internal conflicts, and emerging desires. The album consists of eight tracks:
* “Intro: Whiteout”
* “Intro: Whiteout”
* The lead single “Tamed–Dashed”
* The lead single –
* “Upper Side Dreamin’”
* Side
* “Just a Little Bit”
* a Little
* “Go Big or Go Home”
* Big or Go
* “Blockbuster” featuring Yeonjun of [[Tomorrow X Together|TOMORROW X TOGETHER]]
* featuring Yeonjun of [[Tomorrow X Together|TOMORROW X TOGETHER]]
* “Attention, Please!”
* , Please!
* “Interlude: Question”.<ref>{{Cite web |title=빌리프랩 {{!}} BELIFT LAB |url=https://beliftlab.com/artist/discography/ENHYPEN/3 |access-date=January 2, 2026 |website=빌리프랩 {{!}} BELIFT LAB}}</ref>
* : .<ref>{{Cite web |title=빌리프랩 {{!}} BELIFT LAB |url=https://beliftlab.com/artist/discography/ENHYPEN/3 |access-date=January 2, 2026 |website=빌리프랩 {{!}} BELIFT LAB}}</ref>
=== 2022-present: Ongoing activities ===
=== 2022-present: Ongoing activities ===
From 2022 onward, Belift Lab continued its operations primarily through its management of ENHYPEN, who released additional extended plays and conducted a series of domestic and international promotions. These activities included online and in-person fan events, music show appearances, and world tours, helping to maintain the group’s visibility in both the Korean and global markets. The company routinely issued official updates regarding the members’ health and schedules, ensuring compliance with public health guidelines and minimizing disruptions to planned events.
From 2022 onward, Belift Lab continued its operations primarily through its management of ENHYPEN, who released additional extended plays and conducted a series of domestic and international promotions. These activities included online and in-person fan events, music show appearances, and world tours, helping to maintain the visibility in both the Korean and global markets. The company routinely issued official updates regarding the health and schedules, ensuring compliance with public health guidelines and minimizing disruptions to planned events.
In August 2023, HYBE announced that it would purchase CJ ENM’s 51.5 percent stake in Belift Lab for 150 billion won (approximately $113.8 million). The agreement, which included the transfer of 742,200 shares, was set to be finalized on September 1, 2023, making Belift Lab a wholly owned subsidiary of HYBE. The acquisition was intended to strengthen HYBE’s multi-label system while allowing Belift Lab and its artists to continue operating with their individual identities.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift />
In August 2023, HYBE announced that it would purchase CJ 51.5 percent stake in Belift Lab for 150 billion won (approximately $113.8 million). The agreement, which included the transfer of 742,200 shares, was set to be finalized on September 1, 2023, making Belift Lab a wholly owned subsidiary of HYBE. The acquisition was intended to strengthen multi-label system while allowing Belift Lab and its artists to continue operating with their individual identities.<ref name=”HybeAcquiresBelift />
In 2023, Belift Lab, in collaboration with [[JTBC]] and Studio JAMM and Mushroom Company, launched the survival audition program R U Next? to select the members of its first girl group. The show premiered on June 30, 2023 and consisted of 10 episodes, featuring 22 trainees competing across seven evaluation rounds that assessed potential, expressiveness, genre adaptability, professionalism, distinctiveness, creativity, and overall star quality. The program was hosted by [[Girls’ Generation]]’s [[Choi Sooyoung]], and the theme song “R.U.N” was performed by [[Bae Suzy]].
In 2023, Belift Lab, in collaboration with [[JTBC]] and Studio JAMM and Mushroom Company, launched the survival audition program R U Next? to select the members of its first girl group. The show premiered on June 30, 2023 and consisted of 10 episodes, featuring 22 trainees competing across seven evaluation rounds that assessed potential, expressiveness, genre adaptability, professionalism, distinctiveness, creativity, and overall star quality. The program was hosted by [[ Generation]] [[Choi Sooyoung]], and the theme song .U. was performed by [[Bae Suzy]].
Throughout the series, contestants received training and mentorship from industry coaches, with episodes highlighting both performance stages and personal development. The final episode aired on September 1, 2023, where the winning contestants were revealed to form the new girl group [[Illit|I’LL‑IT]]. Initially, six members were selected—Wonhee, Youngseo, Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah—through a combination of audience votes and agency decisions.
Throughout the series, contestants received training and mentorship from industry coaches, with episodes highlighting both performance stages and personal development. The final episode aired on September 1, 2023, where the winning contestants were revealed to form the new girl group [[Illit|]]. Initially, six members were selected—Wonhee, Youngseo, Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah—through a combination of audience votes and agency decisions.
Following the conclusion of R U Next?, Youngseo departed from the lineup by mutual agreement with Belift Lab, and I’LL‑IT proceeded toward their official debut as a five-member group in early 2024, marking Belift Lab’s first female act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=munwansik@mt.co.kr |first=문완식 |date=2023-06-16 |title=22인 베일 벗었다! 하이브 새 걸그룹 서바이벌 프로그램 JTBC ‘R U Next?’, 참가자 프로필 영상·사진 공개 |url=https://www.starnewskorea.com/music/2023/06/16/2023061614103230088 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=스타뉴스 |language=ko}}</ref>
Following the conclusion of R U Next?, Youngseo departed from the lineup by mutual agreement with Belift Lab, and proceeded toward their official debut as a five-member group in early 2024, marking Belift first female act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=munwansik@mt.co.kr |first=문완식 |date=2023-06-16 |title=22인 베일 벗었다! 하이브 새 걸그룹 서바이벌 프로그램 JTBC ‘R U Next?’, 참가자 프로필 영상·사진 공개 |url=https://www.starnewskorea.com/music/2023/06/16/2023061614103230088 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=스타뉴스 |language=ko}}</ref>
In March 25, 2024, Belift Lab debuted its first girl group, ILLIT, with the release of their debut extended play, SUPER REAL ME. The group, composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, presented the lead single “Magnetic”, which combines elements of house, [[pluggnb]], [[R&B]], and [[Electronic Dance Music|EDM]]. The debut marked Belift Lab’s entry into producing fifth-generation K-pop girl groups and focused on delivering music with themes relatable to teenagers. ILLIT held a media showcase on the day of their debut, where the members highlighted that “Magnetic” was created in collaboration with teenage producers to capture authentic youthful emotions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabel |first=Inna Christine |date=2024-03-25 |title=Highlights: ILLIT’s debut showcase |url=https://inquirersuper.com.ph/super-k/highlights-of-illit-debut-showcase/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Inquirer Super |language=en-US}}</ref>
In March 25, 2024, Belift Lab debuted its first girl group, ILLIT, with the release of their debut extended play, SUPER REAL ME. The group, composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, presented the lead single , which combines elements of house, [[pluggnb]], [[R&B]], and [[Electronic Dance Music|EDM]]. The debut marked Belift entry into producing fifth-generation K-pop girl groups and focused on delivering music with themes relatable to teenagers. ILLIT held a media showcase on the day of their debut, where the members highlighted that was created in collaboration with teenage producers to capture authentic youthful emotions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabel |first=Inna Christine |date=2024-03-25 |title=Highlights: debut showcase |url=https://inquirersuper.com.ph/super-k/highlights-of-illit-debut-showcase/ |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Inquirer Super |language=en-US}}</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
| This is a draft article. It is a work in progress open to editing by anyone. Please ensure core content policies are met before publishing it as a live Wikipedia article. |
South Korean entertainment company
Belift Lab is a South Korean entertainment company and record label, founded in September 2018 as a joint venture between HYBE and CJ ENM. The label focuses on developing and managing K-pop artists for the global market and is best known for forming the boy group ENHYPEN through the 2020 survival show “I-LAND” and the girl group ILLIT, formed via the audition program “R U Next?” In 2023, HYBE acquired full ownership of Belift Lab[1], making it a subsidiary while allowing it to operate independently within HYBE’s multi-label system.
In September 2018, Belift Lab was founded as a joint venture between HYBE and CJ ENM, aiming to develop and manage new K-pop artists for the global market by combining HYBE’s production expertise with CJ ENM’s media and promotion capabilities.[1]
2019: Early Development and Global Auditions
[edit]
After being founded in late 2018, Belift Lab began its first major initiatives in 2019 with plans to build a new K-pop group scheduled for debut in 2020. In March 2019, the company officially announced its formation and launched global auditions to recruit male trainees who could potentially debut as part of a future idol group. These auditions were held in multiple regions, including South Korea, the United States, Japan, and other countries, aiming to scout talent with international potential.[1]
2020: I-LAND and the Formation of ENHYPEN
[edit]
In 2020, Belift Lab organized the survival reality show I-LAND in collaboration with Mnet and CJ ENM to create a new K-pop boy group. The program featured trainees competing in missions and evaluations for a place in the final lineup. Global fan participation through voting was included in the selection process, and the show received coverage as an international audition and development platform.[4]
By September 2020, seven trainees were selected to debut as the boy group ENHYPEN: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki.
In the months following the conclusion of the show, Belift Lab released promotional materials for ENHYPEN, including concept teasers, official member profiles, and merchandise announcements. On November 30, 2020, ENHYPEN debuted with their first mini-album, Border: Day One, featuring the lead single Given-Taken. The album received significant preorders and online engagement, reflecting fan interest both domestically and internationally.
Following their debut, ENHYPEN gained further recognition after winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 Golden Disc Awards, with coverage noting the group’s formation through global fan participation and the response to their debut release.[5][4]
2021: Continued promotions and releases
[edit]
ENHYPEN held their first fan meeting, titled “EN-CONNECT,” at Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, from February 6 to 7, 2021, with the event also streamed online on February 7, providing an opportunity to interact with fans and celebrate milestones such as their debut and winning the Rookie Artist of the Year Award at the 2020 Golden Disc Awards.[4]
On April 16, 2021, ENHYPEN revealed the tracklist for their second extended play, BORDER: CARNIVAL, through their official social media channels. The album consists of six tracks, including an intro and an outro. The lead single, “Drunk-Dazed,” is a pop-rock song produced by Wonderkid and Bang Si-hyuk. The album also includes “Intro: The Invitation,” “FEVER,” a modern pop-R&B track, “Not For Sale,” which explores contemporary teenage experiences, “Mixed Up,” featuring synthesizer and electric guitar elements, and “Outro: The Wormhole,” which concludes the BORDER series.
BORDER: CARNIVAL was released on April 26, 2021, in three versions—UP, HYPE, and DOWN—each offering a different visual concept.[6]
On August 26, 2021, five members of ENHYPEN—Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon—tested positive for COVID-19. The group had entered self-quarantine on August 26 after a staff member tested positive, and were classified as close contacts by government authorities the following day. Jake initially developed symptoms, including a cough and fever, on August 29 and tested positive on August 30. The remaining four members subsequently showed similar symptoms and were confirmed positive through PCR testing. All five were admitted to treatment facilities according to public health guidelines, and Belift Lab stated that they were exhibiting mild symptoms and would receive full support during their recovery.
The agency also confirmed that following the COVID-19 case at the production site on August 25, all others present, including the remaining ENHYPEN members, tested negative and self-quarantined, reducing the risk of further spread. Fans, particularly in the Philippines, expressed support using the hashtag #AlwaysWithENHYPEN.[7][8]
ENHYPEN released their first studio album, Dimension: Dilemma, following the conclusion of their BORDER series. The album continues the group’s narrative, exploring themes of identity and self-discovery as the members navigate challenges in a new and complex environment. Dimension: Dilemma features three visual concepts—SCYLLA, CHARYBDIS, and ODYSSEUS—representing the members’ personal growth, internal conflicts, and emerging desires. The album consists of eight tracks:
- “Intro: Whiteout”
- The lead single “Tamed-Dashed”
- “Upper Side Dreamin'”
- “Just a Little Bit”
- “Go Big or Go Home”
- “Blockbuster” featuring Yeonjun of TOMORROW X TOGETHER
- “Attention, Please!”
- “Interlude: Question”.[9]
2022-present: Ongoing activities
[edit]
From 2022 onward, Belift Lab continued its operations primarily through its management of ENHYPEN, who released additional extended plays and conducted a series of domestic and international promotions. These activities included online and in-person fan events, music show appearances, and world tours, helping to maintain the group’s visibility in both the Korean and global markets. The company routinely issued official updates regarding the members’ health and schedules, ensuring compliance with public health guidelines and minimizing disruptions to planned events.
In August 2023, HYBE announced that it would purchase CJ ENM’s 51.5 percent stake in Belift Lab for 150 billion won (approximately $113.8 million). The agreement, which included the transfer of 742,200 shares, was set to be finalized on September 1, 2023, making Belift Lab a wholly owned subsidiary of HYBE. The acquisition was intended to strengthen HYBE’s multi-label system while allowing Belift Lab and its artists to continue operating with their individual identities.[1]
In 2023, Belift Lab, in collaboration with JTBC and Studio JAMM and Mushroom Company, launched the survival audition program R U Next? to select the members of its first girl group. The show premiered on June 30, 2023 and consisted of 10 episodes, featuring 22 trainees competing across seven evaluation rounds that assessed potential, expressiveness, genre adaptability, professionalism, distinctiveness, creativity, and overall star quality. The program was hosted by Girls’ Generation‘s Choi Sooyoung, and the theme song “R.U.N” was performed by Bae Suzy.
Throughout the series, contestants received training and mentorship from industry coaches, with episodes highlighting both performance stages and personal development. The final episode aired on September 1, 2023, where the winning contestants were revealed to form the new girl group I’LL-IT. Initially, six members were selected—Wonhee, Youngseo, Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah—through a combination of audience votes and agency decisions.
Following the conclusion of R U Next?, Youngseo departed from the lineup by mutual agreement with Belift Lab, and I’LL-IT proceeded toward their official debut as a five-member group in early 2024, marking Belift Lab’s first female act.[10]
In March 25, 2024, Belift Lab debuted its first girl group, ILLIT, with the release of their debut extended play, SUPER REAL ME. The group, composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, presented the lead single “Magnetic”, which combines elements of house, pluggnb, R&B, and EDM. The debut marked Belift Lab’s entry into producing fifth-generation K-pop girl groups and focused on delivering music with themes relatable to teenagers. ILLIT held a media showcase on the day of their debut, where the members highlighted that “Magnetic” was created in collaboration with teenage producers to capture authentic youthful emotions.[11]
- ^ a b c d e f g “HYBE fully acquires K-pop agency Belift Lab from CJ ENM”. koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. August 10, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ “빌리프랩 | BELIFT LAB”. Archived from the original on December 25, 2025. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ “HYBE-ADOR: Released documents show NewJeans earned $19M last year”. koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. April 25, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ a b c “2021 ENHYPEN FANMEETING “EN-CONNECT”“. world.kbs.co.kr. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ “‘Global fan-made band’ Enhypen debuts with album ‘Border: Day One’“. koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. November 30, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ “ENHYPEN, 새 앨범 트랙리스트 공개…타이틀곡 ‘Drunk-Dazed’“. m.entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ You-mee, Hwang (September 2, 2021). “Enhypen members positive for COVID-19”. The Korea Herald (in Korean). Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ Acar, Aedrianne. “Five ENHYPEN members diagnosed with COVID-19”. www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
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