BTS today is a global empire, but many people may not realize that in the early days after their debut, the group struggled to appear on major television networks. Even so, BTS was smart enough to make use of free global social media platforms to promote themselves, especially their YouTube channel, Bangtan TV.

They filled Bangtan TV with all kinds of exclusive content: everyday vlogs, training diaries, radio shows, simple mukbang sessions, and even an unprecedented game show series like Run BTS. It is no exaggeration to say that this content became one of the foundational factors that helped BTS’ name grow and reach a much wider au∂ιєnce later on.

The contribution of the company’s creative team to making this possible also cannot be overlooked. Thirteen years later, fans have only recently learned the identity of the “brain” behind this high-quality content, but unfortunately, this was also when they discovered that she had already left the company!

The figure behind this is Bang Woo-jung, a pioneering figure who laid the foundation for a systematic approach to producing self-produced content for K-pop artists. She joined BigHit Entertainment in 2010, which later developed into HYBE, and her role continued to grow over the years. She eventually became the head of the creative studio at HYBE Media Studio, overseeing content for all artists under the company.

With a background in design and video production, as well as experience working as an αѕѕistant director for music entertainment programs, Bang applied her expertise to build a distinctive content model. Rather than simply producing ordinary behind-the-scenes videos, the self-produced content for artists under her direction was developed with clearly structured formats and even divided into different seasons. More importantly, the goal was not only to create entertaining content but also to capture the artists’ most natural, authentic, and relatable everyday moments.

This model gave rise to many of BTS’ iconic pieces of content. “BTS Festa” was created to celebrate the group’s debut anniversary, while “Run BTS” became a familiar weekly variety show on the Bangtan TV YouTube channel. These seemingly simple types of content gave fans the opportunity to see BTS beyond the stage, helping them build a closer and more natural connection with the group.

After nearly 15 years with HYBE, however, Bang realized that it was time for her to move on to a new chapter. She left HYBE in September 2024 and founded her own company, Retopia Salon, later that year. Her co-founders include Kim Soo-rin, former Vice President of HYBE Labels נαραи, and Park Joon-soo, former senior specialist at HYBE Original Content Studio. Bang also brought in Noh Min-mi, a casting director who had previously worked with her on self-produced content projects for 2AM and BTS during their time at HYBE. Retopia Salon currently operates both as a video production company and an artist management company.

Despite leaving HYBE, Bang Woo-jung’s relationship with BTS clearly did not come to an end. In February 2025, Jungkook and Jimin sent a potted plant to congratulate her on the opening of her new company. The ribbon carried the message: “BTS Park Jimin & Jeon Jungkook Sarangeyo.” This small gesture alone was enough to show the recognition and affection BTS members have for someone who has shared such a long journey with them.

Notably, Bang also returned to collaborate with Jin at his invitation after leaving HYBE. Run Jin (2024) was a collaborative project between Jin and Retopia Salon through an outsourced production arrangement. In the episode featuring renowned actor Tom Cruise, Jin introduced Bang Woo-jung as one of his closest collaborators and friends. He shared that he had been active for around 13 years, plus two years as a trainee, meaning the two had known each other for approximately 15 years. The story even prompted Tom Cruise to send his greetings to Bang.

In an interview with JoongAng Ilbo about founding Retopia Salon, Bang also revealed that the BTS members had shown tremendous support for her new company. “The BTS members have been showing a lot of support for my new company,” she said. “While it’s still unclear how our content production contract with HYBE will evolve, we’ve agreed to stay in touch and provide advice whenever needed.”

Bang also revealed that HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk offered her sincere words of encouragement. Although he was saddened to see her leave, he understood and supported the motivation behind her decision.

The name “Retopia Salon,” which she came up with herself, also serves as a reminder of her experiences during the early stages of her career. “When I joined BigHit, no one told me to work hard — I just did,” she said. “I found fulfillment in seeing my efforts translate into results, and I loved the experience of working toward a shared goal with the company and the artists. That was my version of utopia.”

Bang Woo-jung’s departure from HYBE has left many ARMYs feeling bittersweet, as she was one of the people working behind the scenes who helped create the content BTS fans have loved for many years. More importantly, she was not simply a creative staff member but also a close collaborator who had accompanied BTS since their early days, when the group was still trying to find its place and build its name from the ground up.

At the same time, fans also understand that after nearly 15 years, Bang has every right to pursue her own ideals and ambitions. Her departure from HYBE may mark the end of one chapter, but it does not necessarily have to be the end of her relationship with BTS. From Jungkook and Jimin congratulating her on her new company to Bang continuing to collaborate with Jin, everything shows that they can still walk alongside each other in different ways. This has only made fans appreciate and admire their beautiful relationship even more!