Seo Hyun-joo, the general producer of Starship Entertainment, was selected by Billboard as one of the 'Most Influential Women in Music.' This recognition brings renewed attention to her journey thus far, with rising expectations for her future endeavors.

Seo Hyun-joo was listed in the 'institutional sector' category of 'Billboard's Women in Music 2025,' announced by Billboard on the 20th (local time).

'Billboard's Women in Music' is a list that selects the top female artists, creators, producers, and executives who have had a significant impact on the music industry in a given year. Seo Hyun-joo, as the vice president and general producer of Starship, plays a comprehensive role in artist planning, music producing, and global strategy. Recognized globally for her innovative producing and sharp planning skills, Seo Hyun-joo has established herself as a prominent female producer in K-pop.

Seo Hyun-joo is regarded as an exceptional figure who founded Starship Entertainment in 2008 after serving as an A&R producer at SM Entertainment and an executive at Big Hit Entertainment during the K-pop emergence era, which was divided into 1st and 2nd generations.

No Starship artist has managed to make their mark without Seo Hyun-joo's involvement. From K.Will to Sistar, Monsta X, WJSN, Cravity, and IVE, all have been planned and led by Seo Hyun-joo. Under her leadership, Starship artists have differentiated themselves in both musicality and identity, successfully creating a wave in K-pop based on these distinctions.

Seo Hyun-joo also played a significant role in promoting K-pop globally. Monsta X, in particular, made a remarkable entry into the U.S. Billboard main album chart 'Billboard 200,' debuting at No. 5 with their first U.S. studio album 'All About Luv,' which was released in 2020. Their second English album 'The Dreaming' also entered 'Billboard 200' for two consecutive weeks. Amid these achievements, Monsta X participated in the Jingle Ball, the largest end-of-year concert in the U.S., hosted by iHeartRadio, an unprecedented feat.

Seo Hyun-joo's planning skills stood out in IVE, a 'trendsetter' that has dominated the K-pop market recently. Based on the concept of 'self-assuredness,' she has built a strong brand by twisting the typical formulas previously relied upon by K-pop groups. Through the song camp led by Seo Hyun-joo's A&R team, she successfully collaborated with various composers to give the group an optimized color.

These accomplishments couldn't have been achieved simply by responding to trends. They resulted from a focus solely on artists and music, combined with insightful planning and market analysis. In particular, the accolades received for breaking down the prejudice barriers that were formidable for women during earlier times deserve applause.

Recognized for these achievements, Seo Hyun-joo has received several producer awards, including the Producer Award at the 37th Golden Disk Awards, Producer Awards at the MMA and Asia Artist Awards, and a commendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Her journey continues as she prepares for the debut of a new group, Kiki, and works on a gigantic global project known as 'Debuts Plan' to complete Starship's new boy group. Seo Hyun-joo, who is breaking through limitations and writing a new history, raises expectations for the 'K-pop magic' she will show in the future.

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