Source Music

2009–2014: Foundation and first generation artists

Source Music was founded on November 17, 2009, by So Sung-jin, who worked at SM Entertainment as a talent manager for various artists between 2000 and 2002. He later moved to JYP Entertainment.[2]

In 2010, the label's first-ever artist, female soloist Kan Mi-youn (formerly of Baby Vox) released her first digital single titled "Going Crazy".[3][4] The music video featured Lee Joon and Mir from MBLAQ.[5] The song peaked at #11 on South Korea's national chart Gaon.

In 2012, Glam was formed as a joint collaboration between Source Music and Big Hit Entertainment and was composed of Dahee, Trinity, Zinni, Miso and Jiyeon. Following Trinity's departure, they continued as a four-member group. The group was active until 2014 and was officially disbanded in January 2015, after Dahee was sentenced to one year imprisonment for a case of extortion against actor Lee Byung-hun.[6]

2015–2019

In 2015, GFriend was formed. The group consisted of members Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji.[7] They made their debut with the extended play Season of Glass on January 15, 2015.[8]

2019–present: Acquisition by Hybe Corporation

In July 2019, Hybe Corporation (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) acquired Source Music, making the company a subsidiary under Hybe Labels, Hybe Corp.'s subdivision of labels, and keeping its existing management and style.[9][10] On March 22, 2021, Source Music, as well as the other labels under Hybe Labels, moved to its new headquarters in the Yongsan Trade Center in the Yongsan District, the new headquarters of its parent company, Hybe Corporation.[11] On March 31, 2021, the official website of Source Music changed its physical address to the new building in Yongsan, Seoul.[12]

Following the completion of their six-year contract, all GFriend members left the company on May 22, 2021, marking the disbandment of the group.[13][14] On March 14, 2022, former Iz*One members Sakura Miyawaki and Kim Chaewon signed exclusive contracts with Source Music and confirmed their debut in a new group.[15][16] Le Sserafim, consisting of Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha Nakamura, Kim Garam and Hong Eunchae, debuted on May 2 with the extended play Fearless.[17]

On April 13, 2022, the company was fined and given a correction order by the Korea Personal Information Protection Commission for disclosing personal information to third parties and failing to protect personal information.[18][19] Source Music used Google's questionnaire to reimburse membership fees related to the disbandment of GFriend, and the personal information of 22 survey participants was compromised due to improper disclosure of survey results.[20]

On September 24, 2024, Source Music announced that the members of GFriend would reunite in 2025 for a tenth anniversary project.[21]