The mystery surrounding MIN HEE JIN’s (former CEO of ADOR) new project has finally dissipated, giving way to an announcement that shook the industry!
OOAK RECORDS, the independent label she founded, officially signaled its debut with a bold recruitment campaign titled “WANTED.” This is not just an audition; it is the birth of a new male group that already promises to break established K-pop norms by focusing on raw aesthetics and unprecedented musical storytelling.
The “WANTED” poster, which has spread across social media and even billboards, captures attention with its direct and enigmatic message: it seeks boys born between 2008 and 2013, with no restrictions on nationality or place of residence. The mention “Place of birth: unknown” emphasizes the label’s goal to discover universal talent, beyond the rigid molds of traditional agencies. Applications are open until March 27, 2026, via the label’s official website, marking a race against time for all aspiring idols wishing to be part of this “Only One Always Known” project.
True to her reputation as a visionary creative director, MIN HEE JIN accompanied this announcement with a series of teasing videos featuring nostalgic and cinematic tones. The visual universe of OOAK RECORDS seems centered around a mysterious record store, the “ooak record shop,” where French messages promise that “many things are coming.” This mix of languages and metaphorical symbols is a deliberate strategy to pique international curiosity and establish a strong creative identity even before the group’s activities begin.
This new step confirms that MIN HEE JIN has not lost her knack for creating “buzz” and turning every announcement into a major cultural event. By launching a boy group rather than a direct rival to NEWJEANS, she gives herself a blank canvas to reinvent, once again, the global music landscape. The world now has its eyes on OOAK RECORDS, eager to see which “seed” will become the next “vast forest” of music.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of renewal for male groups, and MIN HEE JIN intends to be the conductor of this transformation.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS OOAK Records
