AOMG
AOMG, an acronym for Above Ordinary Music Group, is a South Korean independent record label and full-service entertainment company specializing in hip-hop and R&B music, founded in 2013 by singer, songwriter, and rapper Jay Park.[1][2] The company originated from the Seattle-based B-boying crew Art of Movement, of which Park was a member, and has grown into a cornerstone of the Korean hip-hop scene by focusing on artist management, music production, concert tours, and innovative content creation.[3][1] Since its inception, AOMG has expanded beyond traditional music operations to include reality programming and sports entertainment, notably becoming the first Korean hip-hop label to launch a reality audition TV program titled SignHere in 2019.[1] Under the leadership of CEO Yoo Deok-gon since 2024—following Park's transition to focus on new ventures like his K-pop label More Vision—AOMG has conducted successful domestic and international tours while establishing a global brand presence in the hip-hop and R&B industry.[1][2][4] The label's roster features prominent artists such as Yugyeom (formerly of GOT7), rapper Jvcki Wai, R&B singer Hoody, and hip-hop acts like Punchnello and ELO, alongside diverse talents including webtoon artist Kian84 and UFC fighter Korean Zombie (Chan Sung Jung).[5][6] AOMG continues to innovate, with recent announcements in 2025 indicating plans to recruit members for a new girl group, signaling an expansion into broader K-pop elements while maintaining its hip-hop roots.[5]History
Founding and early years
AOMG was established in September 2013 by Jay Park as an independent record label specializing in hip-hop and R&B music.[3] The label, whose name stands for "Above Ordinary Music Group," was founded with a core philosophy centered on fostering creative freedom for artists within the hip-hop and R&B genres, allowing them to produce music without the constraints often imposed by larger corporate structures.[7] Park, drawing from his own experiences as a performer, aimed to create a platform that prioritized artistic expression and innovation in South Korea's urban music scene.[8] The label's official launch took place on October 10, 2013, at Club The A in Seoul's Gangnam district, an event hosted by rapper Ben Baller that drew a crowd of industry figures and fans.[9] Shortly after, in October 2013, AOMG signed its first artist, producer and singer Gray, who became a key figure in the label's early output.[3] Gray's debut EP, Call Me Gray, released soon thereafter, marked the label's inaugural project and showcased the blend of hip-hop production and R&B sensibilities that would define AOMG's sound.[3] In early 2014, the roster expanded with the signing of DJ Wegun, a versatile DJ known for his contributions to live performances and track mixing.[10] During its founding and early years through 2015, AOMG operated as a fully independent entity, handling all aspects of production, promotion, and distribution in-house without affiliation to major entertainment conglomerates.[8] This autonomy allowed for agile decision-making and a tight-knit creative environment but presented significant challenges, including limited access to widespread distribution networks and resources typically available to labels backed by larger firms.[8] Despite these hurdles, the label built a foundational reputation through grassroots efforts, small-scale releases, and performances that highlighted its commitment to elevating "above ordinary" urban music in Korea.[7]Growth and partnerships
In January 2016, CJ E&M acquired a majority stake in AOMG,[11] which provided the label with expanded distribution networks, production resources, and broader industry support to facilitate artist development and music releases.[12] This alliance marked a pivotal step in AOMG's maturation, allowing it to leverage CJ E&M's infrastructure for wider domestic and international exposure as a subsidiary while retaining its independent creative direction.[12] Under the co-CEO leadership of Simon Dominic, who held the position from 2014 to 2018 alongside founder Jay Park, AOMG initiated its international expansion with the Follow the Movement 2016 American Tour, performing in major U.S. cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York to build a global fanbase.[13][14] The tour showcased the label's core artists and highlighted its growing collaborative ethos. In 2018, following Dominic's resignation, DJ Pumkin assumed the role of CEO, steering the company through further consolidation.[15] AOMG's roster diversified during this period, incorporating R&B talents such as Hoody, who joined in 2015 as the label's first female artist and contributed to its blend of hip-hop and soulful sounds.[15] Key visibility boosts came from AOMG affiliates' involvement in the reality series Show Me the Money, notably with producers Simon Dominic and Gray leading a team in season 5 (2016), which introduced emerging talents and amplified the label's influence in Korean hip-hop culture. By 2020, the roster had grown to over 10 artists, exemplified by high-profile signings like Lee Hi in July, enhancing AOMG's appeal across genres.[15]Recent developments and rebranding
In late 2021, Jay Park stepped down as co-CEO of AOMG to focus on his new label, More Vision, while transitioning to an advisory role to support the label's ongoing operations.[2][16] This period marked the beginning of significant roster changes, culminating in multiple high-profile departures in 2024. On March 28, 2024, AOMG announced that the exclusive contracts of producers Gray and GooseBumps, rapper Woo Won Jae, and singer Lee Hi had expired without renewal, reducing the label's core music artist lineup.[17][18] In March 2024, CEO DJ Pumkin resigned, and Yoo Deok-gon was appointed as the new CEO.[4] Later, in July 2024, longtime member and former co-CEO Simon Dominic departed following the expiration of his contract.[19] To foster innovation amid these shifts, AOMG launched its sublabel Solabeam Records on April 24, 2023, dedicated to DJs and producers exploring experimental sounds.[20] In April 2025, AOMG unveiled a major rebranding initiative under the slogan "MAKE IT NEW," signaling a renewed focus on talent diversification and global outreach, with hip-hop trio SIKKOO joining as the first new act to debut that year.[21][22] This rebranding effort extended to international expansion, as AOMG announced the "AOMG Global Crew Audition" on November 4, 2025, aimed at forming its first girl group by recruiting women born between 2005 and 2010 with strengths in hip-hop, R&B, and artistry.[5][23] As of November 2025, AOMG's roster has notably shrunk following the 2024 exits, prompting a strategic pivot toward broader affiliations, including UFC fighter Chan Sung Jung and cartoonist Kian84, to blend music with diverse entertainment ventures.[15][24]Organization and personnel
Leadership and key figures
Jay Park founded AOMG in September 2013 as an independent hip-hop and R&B label emphasizing artistic freedom and creative control for its roster.[1] As the label's visionary leader, Park served as co-CEO from 2014 until December 2021, when he stepped down to focus on his new venture, More Vision, while transitioning to an advisory role to guide AOMG's ongoing direction.[2] His emphasis on artist autonomy shaped AOMG's ethos, allowing talents to prioritize organic development over commercial pressures.[25] In March 2014, rapper Simon Dominic joined as co-CEO alongside Park, bringing his established hip-hop credentials from Supreme Team and Amoeba Culture to bolster the label's street credibility and production expertise.[26] Dominic resigned from the position in July 2018, citing a desire to refocus on his artistry, as announced through his track "Me No Jay Park" and an official label statement.[27] Following Dominic's departure, DJ Pumkin (Kim Soo-hyuk), a veteran producer and early AOMG affiliate, assumed the CEO role in October 2018, overseeing operations for six years with a focus on expanding the label's production capabilities.[28] Pumkin resigned in March 2024, with his term concluding on March 25 after submitting notice in January; the move was unrelated to recent artist controversies, according to AOMG's clarification.[29] Yoo Deok-gon, previously CEO of H1GHR Music, was appointed as the new CEO on February 23, 2024, bringing experience in artist management and global expansion to steer AOMG amid its evolving roster and ventures.[4] Among key non-artist contributors, producer Cha Cha Malone played a pivotal role from the label's inception, signing on as one of the first affiliates in 2013 and providing beats for foundational releases that defined AOMG's sound.[3] AOMG's growth was further supported by a 2016 strategic partnership with CJ E&M, which provided distribution and marketing resources while preserving the label's operational independence under its executives.[30]Affiliated talents and ventures
AOMG has ventured into non-music sectors by signing prominent figures from sports and visual arts, expanding its influence beyond traditional entertainment. In May 2018, the label entered the sports management arena by signing UFC mixed martial artist Chan Sung Jung, professionally known as "The Korean Zombie," who became the first athlete under AOMG's management. This move highlighted the company's interest in "sportainment," blending athletics with entertainment promotion.[31] In April 2023, AOMG further diversified by signing Ki-bok Kim, better known as Kian84, a renowned webtoon artist, broadcaster, and pop art painter, who joined to explore creative collaborations across mediums.[32] Complementing these signings, AOMG established Solabeam Records in April 2023 as an experimental sublabel dedicated to DJs and producers, releasing remix compilations and fostering innovative electronic music projects.[33] This initiative allows AOMG to nurture niche talents in production and remixing, distinct from its core hip-hop focus. Additionally, through its strategic partnership with CJ ENM since 2016, AOMG leverages the conglomerate's extensive distribution, marketing, and media networks to explore broader content creation opportunities in film, broadcasting, and digital entertainment.Artists
Current roster
As of late 2025, AOMG's current roster consists of six active solo artists and one group, emphasizing hip-hop and R&B talents with a focus on versatile performers who blend raw lyricism, soulful vocals, and innovative production. The label has streamlined its lineup following several high-profile departures in prior years, prioritizing established soloists and fresh additions to maintain its signature sound of introspective and genre-fusing music.[5]- Hoody (Kim Hyung-jung): A pioneering R&B singer who joined AOMG in 2015 as its first female artist, Hoody is renowned for her sweet, emotive vocals and ability to infuse hip-hop collaborations with delicate, narrative-driven melodies. Her style draws from soulful R&B traditions, often exploring themes of love and introspection, as seen in her 2023 anniversary album Sailing, which highlighted her growth through sophisticated arrangements and features with labelmates.[34][35]
- Yugyeom (Kim Yu-gyeom): The dancer-singer, formerly of GOT7, joined AOMG in 2021 and brings a dynamic fusion of pop, R&B, and dance-infused tracks to the roster. His unique style integrates intricate choreography with self-produced compositions, showcasing versatility across genres; notable contributions include his 2024 full-length album TRUST ME, which he fully wrote and produced, alongside successful solo tours in Europe (2022) and Asia (2023).[36]
- Jvcki Wai (Jeon Ji-won): A bold rapper who signed with AOMG in October 2022, Jvcki Wai stands out for her gritty, context-rich hip-hop delivery that challenges norms with sharp wordplay and unapologetic energy. Specializing in trap-influenced beats and female empowerment themes, she has contributed through high-profile 2025 collaborations with producer Vangdale on tracks like "GG" and "Wreck Car," solidifying her role in expanding the label's edgy sound.[37][38]
- Punchnello (Lee Sang-hoon): Rapper Punchnello, who joined in 2019 after winning Show Me the Money 8, delivers versatile flows blending aggressive lyricism with emotional depth across hip-hop and alternative genres. His raw, relentless style often tackles personal struggles; key works include the 2024 single "before you" and 2023 EP bury., which demonstrate his evolution in production and storytelling.[39]
- ELO (Oh Min-taek): A singer-rapper who joined AOMG around 2015, ELO is celebrated for his refined, introspective sensibility that merges R&B harmonies with hip-hop rhythms, creating sophisticated, mood-driven tracks. His contributions emphasize lyrical maturity, as in the 2022 album Reality Check, featuring skillful sound design and collaborations that highlight his deepening artistic range.[40]
- Ugly Duck (Sun Joo-kyung): The veteran DJ-rapper, an early AOMG affiliate since the label's inception, excels in witty, socially insightful hip-hop with a distinctive vocal timbre and emotional punch. Versatile across DJ sets and verses, his 2025 EP Ugly Duck explores pain and resilience through genre-spanning production, building on classics like features in AOMG cyphers.[41][42]
- SIKKOO: This three-member hip-hop group—comprising rappers-vocalists Koo Min-jae, 200 (Eback), and Yosi—joined AOMG in April 2025, infusing the roster with playful, tradition-blended sounds that mix Korean cultural elements with modern trap and melodic rap. Their mischievous style shines in debut EP GAN (間), including the single "BANGATGAN," marking a fresh, youthful direction for the label's hip-hop output.[21][43]