The Woman Behind BTS's 'Arirang' Comeback Just Made Billboard's 40 Under 40

Nicole Kim, co-CEO of Big Hit Music (HYBE's label home for BTS), landed a spot on Billboard's 2026 40 Under 40 list on July 30, the only Korean executive named to this year's roster of 40 music industry leaders under the age of 40.

Billboard introduced Kim as the person who oversees BTS's operations and business affairs, pointing specifically to two achievements: the March release of ARIRANG, BTS's fifth full-length studio album and their highly anticipated comeback, and the successful launch of the accompanying stadium tour. The publication framed both as examples of raising the bar for global K-pop touring and IP expansion.

In her interview with Billboard, Kim reflected on the significance of the past year. "The release of 'ARIRANG' is one of my proudest achievements," she said. "The last 12 months have been filled with so many historic moments for BTS, and I'm deeply grateful to have been part of that journey."

Kim's history with BTS goes back considerably further. In her earlier role leading Big Hit Music's A&R team, she was instrumental in developing some of the group's biggest global singles, including "Dynamite," "Butter," and "Permission to Dance," all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. She also worked on "My Universe," the group's collaboration with British rock band Coldplay. She later moved to Columbia Records (under Sony Music Entertainment) as VP of A&R before returning to HYBE and stepping into her current executive role.

The 40 Under 40 list spans the full width of the music industry, recognizing next-generation leaders across artist management, labels, live business, streaming platforms, and more. Kim is joined on this year's list by another HYBE figure: Juan S. Arenas, president of HYBE Global Label Services, who was recognized for building the company's Latin American infrastructure and overseeing the debut of Latin pop group SANTOS BRAVOS.

For longtime BTS fans (ARMY), the recognition lands as further confirmation of what the past several months have already made clear: the people steering the group's comeback have been operating at a high level, and Billboard is paying attention.