The Black Label raises $80M at reported $660M valuation with Tencent Music in the round
The Black Label raised $80 million in a round that included Tencent Music, according to Music Business Worldwide. Bloomberg reported the deal values the company at 1 trillion won, about $660 million. The company was co-founded in 2015 by Teddy Park and Kush, then spun out from YG Entertainment in 2020. Its roster includes BLACKPINK's Rosé, BIGBANG's Taeyang, Jeon Somi, MEOVV, and AllDay Project. The label also had a high-profile soundtrack moment with KPop Demon Hunters.
THE BREAKDOWN
K-pop management and label assets are now being valued on global IP potential, not only recorded music income. Talent teams should price soundtrack participation, global fan community access, and brand extensions as separate rights in new artist deals. If a label is raising outside capital against roster heat, artists should ask for clearer audit rights and bonus pools tied to new revenue lines. Tencent Music's involvement also gives The Black Label a stronger China distribution angle, which can affect brand categories and territory carveouts. Managers should watch whether future K-pop contracts include more aggressive rights around animation, gaming, and soundtrack extensions.
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