Korean entertainment company HYBE Labels Japan confirmed the launching of a new sub-label called NAECO.

The term was derived from the word “Ocean” which symbolizes the wide reach and goal of the label and its artists.

Actress and Idol Yurina Hirate, former center of girl group Keyakizaka46, is the first official artist under the new sub-label. She was part of the Itaewon Class’ Japan remake of 'Roppongi Class’.

HYBE labels were currently expanding after merging with U.S. label Ithaca Holdings last April 2021.

하이브 아티스트가 된 것을 환영합니다.
하이브 재팬의 새 레이블 NAECO의 첫 아티스트 #YURINA_HIRATE
멋진 도약을 기대합니다!

ようこそHYBEファミリーへ！これから共にする新たな航海を楽しみにしています！

We’re so glad to have you join our HYBE family as our first artist at NAECO. pic.twitter.com/9J3KQGWngP

— HYBE OFFICIAL (@HYBEOFFICIALtwt) December 21, 2022