In a shocking and unexpected announcement on December 21st JST, HYBE Japan announced the creation of a new label called NAECO, with Hirate Yurina, originally of Keyakizaka46, as their first talent acquisition.
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
Hirate Yurina is best known for being the extremely popular center of the major group Keyakizaka46. The primary center since their debut single Silent Majority, she withdrew from the group in 2020. After retiring from being an idol she went on to lead several dramas including Dragon Zakura and Roppongi Class. By joining NAECO she is aiming to reach a global audience beyond just Japan, with her global fan club to open on WEVERSE in 2023.