MNH Entertainment
View on WikipediaMNH Entertainment (Korean: 엠앤에이치엔터테인먼트) is a privately held multinational entertainment group and talent agency based in Seoul. Founded in November 2014 by Lee Ju-seop, a former manager at JYP Entertainment. The company was founded on 18 November 2014.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]The company was formed on November 18, 2014.
In 2016, trainee Kim Chung-ha was sent to participate in the survival girl group television show Produce 101. She finished fourth and debuted as part of I.O.I.[2] After the disbandment of I.O.I, MNH planned for Chungha to debut as a soloist.
In 2019, teasers for MNH's new girl group, BVNDIT was released. It was the first girl group produced by MNH Entertainment. The group consists of 5 members and made their debut on 10 April 2019 with "Hocus Pocus".[3] On 15 May 2019, BVNDIT released their song titled "Dramatic".
On January 28, 2020, MNH revealed their plans for a new music project New.wav, which aims for the agency artists to more frequently interact with the public through diverse music, apart from their regular album releases.[4][5][6] MNH introduced their first actor, Yoon Jae-yong. He made his acting debut in the SBS drama Nobody Knows.[7][8]
Artists
[edit]Recording artists
[edit]Groups
[edit]Soloists
[edit]- EJel
- Lim Sang-hyun
- Vvon
Notable trainees
[edit]- Seok Matthew (Zerobaseone)[9]
Former artists
[edit]Discography
[edit]| Artist | Title | Date | Format | Language | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chungha | "Week" | April 21, 2017 | Digital single | Korean | CJ E&M Music |
| Hands on Me | June 7, 2017 | Extended play | |||
| Offset | January 17, 2018 | ||||
| Blooming Blue | July 18, 2018 | Stone Music Entertainment | |||
| XII | January 2, 2019 | Single album | |||
| Bvndit | Bvndit, Be Ambitious! | April 10, 2019 | |||
| "Dramatic" | May 15, 2019 | Digital single | |||
| Chungha | Flourishing | June 24, 2019 | Extended play | ||
| Bvndit | Be! | November 5, 2019 | |||
| Chungha | "Loveship" (with Paul Kim) | January 21, 2020 | Digital single | Korean | Stone Music Entertainment, Neuron Music, Kakao M |
| Bvndit | "Cool" | February 6, 2020 | English | Stone Music Entertainment | |
| Chungha | "Everybody Has" | February 29, 2020 | Korean | ||
| Bvndit | "Children" | April 20, 2020 | |||
| Chungha | "Stay Tonight" | April 27, 2020 | |||
| Bvndit | Carnival | May 13, 2020 | Extended play | ||
| Chungha | "Be Yourself" | June 9, 2020 | Digital single | ||
| "Play" (feat. Changmo) | July 6, 2020 | ||||
| "Bad Boy" (with Christopher) | September 23, 2020 | English | Stone Music Entertainment, Warner Music Korea, Parlophone Denmark | ||
| "Dream of You" (feat. R3hab) | November 27, 2020 | Stone Music Entertainment | |||
| "X" | January 19, 2021 | Korean | |||
| Querencia | February 15, 2021 | Studio album | Genie Music, Stone Music Entertainment (South Korea) 88rising, 12Tone Music (worldwide) | ||
| "Demente" (Spanish Version) (with Guaynaa) | March 17, 2021 | Digital single | Spanish | Stone Music, 88rising, 12Tone Music | |
| Lim Sang-hyun | "A Rainy Night" | July 25, 2021 | Korean | Stone Music Entertainment | |
| "I'd Rather" | October 21, 2021 | ||||
| Chungha | "Killing Me" | November 29, 2021 | Single album | 88rising | |
| Lim Sang-hyun | "Honey Milk Tea" | March 29, 2022 | Digital single | Stone Music Entertainment | |
| Vvon | "Hold Up" (feat. Coogie & Sumin) | April 21, 2022 | |||
| Bvndit | Re-Original | May 25, 2022 | Extended play | ||
| Vvon | "Why" (feat. Hoody) | July 5, 2022 | Digital single | ||
| Chungha | Bare & Rare, Pt. 1 | July 11, 2022 | Studio album | Stone Music Entertainment, 88rising | |
| Vvon | "Step" (feat. Kim Seung-min) | November 16, 2022 | Digital single | Stone Music Entertainment | |
| 8Turn | 8TurnRise | January 30, 2023 | Extended play | Genie Music, Stone Music Entertainment | |
| Lim Sang-hyun | Firsthand Pt. 2 | April 21, 2023 | Single album | NHN Bugs Corp, Stone Music Entertainment |
Projects
[edit]- New.wav - music project
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards | Producer/Record Production of the Year | "Gotta Go" | MNH Entertainment | Won | [12] |
References
[edit]- ^ 김효숙 (2016-04-05). "I.O.I 김청하, 소속사 대표와 JYP 출신? "우리는 마침내 작은 기적을 이뤄냈다"". 스포츠한국 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
- ^ *Jeon Su Mi (4 May 2016). "I.O.I Debuts and Releases ′Dream Girls′ MV". mwave.interest.me. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
- ^ "'Bvndit makes ambitious debut with 'Hocus Pocus'". Kpopherald. April 11, 2019. Archived from the original on September 18, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
- ^ "[공지] MNH Entertainment Music Project [New.wav] OPEN". MNH Entertainment (in Korean). 2020-01-28. Archived from the original on 2020-01-29. Retrieved 2020-01-29.
- ^ "'청하 소속사' MNH엔터, 음악 프로젝트 '뉴웨이브' 론칭…BVNDIT(밴디트) 첫 주자". Etoday (in Korean). January 29, 2020. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
- ^ "청하 소속사, 새 음악 프로젝트 론칭…밴디트 첫 주자". Sports Donga. January 29, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
- ^ "윤재용, '아무도 모른다' 캐스팅…김서형ㆍ류덕환과 호흡". Etoday. February 25, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ "'아무도 모른다' 안지호X윤찬영X윤재용 소년들, 어른만큼 중요한 이유". ksw-news. February 20, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ Yoo, Ji-hee (April 21, 2023). "'보이즈 플래닛' 1위 장하오…성한빈·석매튜·리키 등 데뷔 확정 [종합]". Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved April 21, 2023.
- ^ Jeon, Hyo-jin (November 11, 2022). "청하 여동생 그룹' 밴디트, 3년만에 해체 [공식]" [Chungha's sister group' BANDIT disbands after 3 years [Official]]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved November 11, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kwon, Hye-mi (January 30, 2023). "솔로 퀸' 청하, 3월 FA나오나…MNH "확인 중" [공식]" [Solo Queen’ Chungha, free agency in March… MNH “Confirming” [Official]] (in Korean). Ilgan Sports. Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ "방탄소년단 3관왕 인기 입증, 청하·엑소·세븐틴·벤 2관왕(종합)[2020 가온차트]". newsen.com (in Korean). January 8, 2020. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
External links
[edit]MNH Entertainment
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Years
MNH Entertainment was established on November 18, 2014, by Lee Ju-seop, a former manager at JYP Entertainment who had overseen the boy group 2PM during his tenure there.[10][11] The company originated as a small-scale operation in Seoul's Gangnam District, initially operating under the name M&H Entertainment before rebranding to MNH Entertainment Co., Ltd.[10] From its inception, MNH Entertainment positioned itself as a privately held talent agency specializing in the scouting, training, and management of aspiring performers within the South Korean entertainment industry.[10] Headquartered at 06140 Nonhyeon-ro 98-gil, Yeoksam-dong, the firm emphasized building a robust internal structure to identify and nurture talent, reflecting the founder's experience in artist development from his JYP days.[10][12] In the early years, the company invested in foundational infrastructure, including the creation of systematic audition processes and comprehensive trainee programs designed to prepare recruits for professional debuts.[10] These efforts focused on fostering a pipeline of skilled artists without immediate public releases, allowing MNH to methodically expand its roster and operational capabilities in a competitive market. This preparatory phase culminated in the transition toward major artist launches beginning in 2016.[10]Expansion and Key Debuts
In 2016, MNH Entertainment, established in 2014 as a small agency, gained significant prominence through trainee Kim Chung-ha's participation in the Mnet survival program Produce 101. Representing the company from January to April 2016, Chung-ha ranked fourth overall, securing a spot in the project girl group I.O.I, which debuted in May with the mini-album Chrysalis. This exposure marked MNH's first major breakthrough, as the show's nationwide broadcast introduced the fledgling label to a broad audience and highlighted its training capabilities.[13][14] Chung-ha's success on Produce 101 substantially elevated MNH Entertainment's visibility in the competitive K-pop industry, transforming it from an obscure entity into a recognized player for emerging talent. The program, which showcased trainees from various agencies competing for debut spots, drew massive viewership and generated public interest in participating labels, with MNH benefiting directly from Chung-ha's strong performances in dance and vocals that resonated with viewers. Following I.O.I's promotional activities, which included hits like "Whatta Man," Chung-ha transitioned to a solo career under MNH, debuting in June 2017 with the single "Why Don't You Know," further solidifying the company's reputation for nurturing versatile artists. This survival show involvement not only boosted MNH's domestic profile but also laid the groundwork for strategic expansions.[15][16][14][17] Amid this growth, MNH underwent internal management enhancements to support its rising roster, including key staff hires in artist development and production to handle increased operations. These changes enabled the agency to pursue modest international outreach efforts, such as promoting Chung-ha's early solo releases through Asian fan events and digital platforms, aiming to build a global fanbase. By 2019, this momentum culminated in the launch of MNH's first permanent girl group, BVNDIT, which debuted on April 10 with the single album BVNDIT, Be Ambitious! featuring the title track "Hocus Pocus." The upbeat, retro-inspired single and album showcased the group's charismatic concept, marking a pivotal step in MNH's diversification beyond solo acts.[3][18][19]Recent Developments and Challenges
In 2020, MNH Entertainment launched the New.wav project, a music initiative designed to enable more frequent artist-fan interactions through digital singles and collaborative releases.[20] The project debuted with BVNDIT's single "Cool" in February, followed by contributions from other artists like Chungha.[21] That same year, the agency introduced its first actor, Yoon Jae-yong, marking an expansion into acting management alongside music.[22] In 2021, MNH debuted soloist Lim Sang Hyun with the digital single "Rainy Night" on July 25, adding to its roster of individual artists.[23] Between 2022 and 2023, MNH focused on new debuts to bolster its roster. Soloist VVON debuted in April 2022 under the label with the single "Hold Up," emphasizing R&B influences.[24] The agency unveiled its first boy group, 8TURN (formerly B.O.M.), in January 2023 with the mini-album 8TURNRISE, featuring the lead single "TIC TAC."[25] EJel followed as a solo artist in October 2024, releasing "Now or Never" and later holding busking events to connect with fans.[26] These releases highlighted MNH's strategy to diversify with solo acts and a boy group amid industry competition. The period also saw significant artist departures, presenting operational hurdles. Girl group BVNDIT disbanded in November 2022 after their contracts expired in October, ending their three-year run without renewal.[27] Similarly, Chungha's seven-year exclusive contract concluded on April 29, 2023, leading to her departure from the agency.[28] These exits, involving high-profile talents, contributed to revenue pressures and a reevaluation of group-focused promotions. From 2024 to 2025, MNH emphasized roster stabilization and global outreach without major new group debuts. The agency maintained ongoing global auditions via its official website, accepting submissions year-round to scout talent across nationalities, genders, and ages.[29] With a streamlined lineup centered on 8TURN, VVON, and EJel, MNH shifted toward intensive management of fewer artists, including 8TURN's first world tour 8TURNRISE announced in September 2024, spanning North America and Europe starting April 2025.[30] Digital engagement grew through active YouTube channels and Instagram updates, featuring teasers, live sessions, and behind-the-scenes content to sustain fan interaction.[31] This approach addressed challenges from prior losses by prioritizing niche solo projects and established acts over expansive group launches.Artists and Talent
Current Recording Artists
MNH Entertainment maintains a compact roster of active recording artists as of November 2025, comprising one boy group and three soloists, a deliberate shift toward versatile talents and targeted promotions after streamlining operations post-2023.[10] This approach emphasizes individualized development and smaller-scale activities, allowing for focused artistic growth amid a competitive K-pop landscape.[9] The flagship act is the eight-member boy group 8TURN, who debuted on January 30, 2023, with the mini-album 8TURNRISE.[32] Composed of Yun Gyu, Seungheon, Myungho, Jaeyun, Minho, Yoonsung, Haemin, and Kyungmin, the group draws from hip-hop, dance, and pop influences, often exploring themes of youth, ambition, and self-determination through high-energy performances and intricate choreography.[33] Their music conveys messages of forging personal paths, as highlighted in tracks blending addictive rhythms with bold visuals.[34]| Member | Position | Birth Name (Hangul) |
|---|---|---|
| Jaeyun | Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist | 문재윤 (Moon Jae-yun) |
| Seungheon | Main Vocalist | 최승헌 (Choi Seung-heon) |
| Myungho | Main Dancer, Sub-Vocalist | 지명호 (Ji Myung-ho) |
| Minho | Lead Vocalist, Visual | 양민호 (Yang Min-ho) |
| Yoonsung | Lead Vocalist, Visual | 조윤성 (Cho Yoon-seong) |
| Yungyu | Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist | 이윤규 (Lee Yoon-gyu) |
| Kyeongmin | Main Rapper, Sub-Vocalist | 조경민 (Jo Kyung-min) |
| Haemin | Maknae, Sub-Rapper, Sub-Vocalist | 이해민 (Lee Hae-min) |
