What Happened to AOMG (Above Ordinary Music Group)?
AOMG, a prominent South Korean hip-hop and R&B record label founded by Jay Park in 2013, experienced significant leadership changes and an exodus of key artists between 2021 and 2024. Following a period of uncertainty, the label initiated a 'AOMG 2.0' rebranding in 2025, focusing on new artist recruitment and the debut of its first-ever girl group, Keyveatz, in 2026.
Quick Answer
AOMG, founded by Jay Park, has undergone a major transformation since Park's resignation as CEO in late 2021. This was followed by the departure of co-CEO DJ Pumkin in early 2024 amidst controversy, leading to a significant exodus of long-standing artists like Gray, Simon Dominic, Lee Hi, and Code Kunst. Under new CEO Yoo Deok-gon, AOMG launched a '2.0 rebranding' in 2025, actively signing new talent such as Sikkoo, Lee Mijoo, and Kim Gi-pyo, and is set to debut its first girl group, Keyveatz, in April 2026, signaling a new direction for the label.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
AOMG Founded by Jay Park
Jay Park establishes Above Ordinary Music Group (AOMG), signing initial artists like Gray and Cha Cha Malone.
Simon Dominic Joins as Co-CEO
Rapper Simon Dominic joins AOMG as co-CEO, expanding the label's leadership.
Partnership with CJ E&M
AOMG forms a strategic partnership with South Korean media company CJ E&M for distribution and marketing support.
Simon Dominic Resigns as Co-CEO
Simon Dominic steps down from his co-CEO position, announcing the decision through his song 'Me No Jay Park,' but remains an artist under the label.
Launches 'Signhere' Audition Show
AOMG becomes the first hip-hop/R&B label to launch its own audition program, 'Signhere,' on MBN, with Sogumm winning and signing with the label in November.
Jay Park Resigns as CEO
Founder Jay Park announces his resignation as CEO of both AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, transitioning to an advisory role.
Sogumm Departs AOMG
Singer-songwriter Sogumm departs from AOMG after her contract expires.
DJ Pumkin Resigns as CEO Amidst Meenoi Controversy
DJ Pumkin resigns as CEO of AOMG, following a public dispute involving artist Meenoi and an advertising contract.
Mass Artist Departures Announced
AOMG announces the departure of several key artists, including Gray, Woo Won-jae, Lee Hi, and Goosebumps, as their contracts conclude. Simon Dominic, Code Kunst, Loco, and DeVita also depart around this period.
Yoo Deok-gon Appointed CEO
Yoo Deok-gon, CEO of H1GHR Music, takes over as the new CEO of AOMG.
AOMG 2.0 Rebranding Announced
AOMG unveils its 'AOMG 2.0' rebranding artwork with the slogan 'MAKE IT NEW,' signaling a new era and direction for the label.
Sikkoo Joins AOMG
Mixed-gender hip-hop trio Sikkoo (Yoshi, 200, Koo Min-jae) officially joins AOMG as part of the new artist recruitment.
Lee Mijoo Signs with AOMG
Former Lovelyz member Lee Mijoo signs an exclusive contract with AOMG, expanding the label's artist roster into variety and pop.
Kim Gi-pyo Joins AOMG
Rapper Kim Gi-pyo, known from 'Show Me the Money 12,' signs an exclusive contract with AOMG.
First Girl Group 'Keyveatz' Debut Announced
AOMG confirms the debut of its first-ever five-member girl group, Keyveatz, scheduled for late April 2026, as part of the AOMG 2.0 project.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
AOMG, an acronym for Above Ordinary Music Group, was established in late September 2013 by Korean-American rapper and singer-songwriter Jay Park. The label quickly rose to prominence in the South Korean hip-hop and R&B scene, signing influential artists and producers such as Gray, Loco, and Simon Dominic, who later joined as co-CEO in March 2014. In January 2016, AOMG formed a strategic partnership with South Korean media giant CJ E&M, which provided support for distribution and marketing while AOMG maintained control over its music.
A significant turning point for AOMG occurred on December 31, 2021, when founder Jay Park announced his resignation as CEO of both AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, stating he would remain as an advisor. This departure marked the beginning of a period of instability. In February 2024, singer Meenoi became embroiled in a controversy regarding an advertising contract, which led to public disputes and allegations of contract discrepancies. Although AOMG and Meenoi later reconciled, the incident coincided with the resignation of CEO DJ Pumkin in March 2024, who had been considering stepping down due to the escalating issues.
The leadership changes were followed by a substantial exodus of artists in early 2024, which many fans dubbed the 'end of an era.' Long-time artists including Gray, Woo Won-jae, Lee Hi, Goosebumps, Simon Dominic, Code Kunst, Loco, and DeVita all parted ways with the label as their contracts expired. Yoo Deok-gon, who was also the CEO of H1GHR Music, was appointed as the new CEO of AOMG in April 2024, taking over from DJ Pumkin.
In response to these changes, AOMG announced a '2.0 rebranding' project in April 2025 with the slogan 'MAKE IT NEW,' signaling a fresh direction for the company. As part of this initiative, AOMG began recruiting new talent, including the mixed-gender hip-hop trio Sikkoo in April 2025, former Lovelyz member Lee Mijoo in November 2025, and rapper Kim Gi-pyo in February 2026. The label also announced plans to launch its first-ever girl group, Keyveatz, in collaboration with H1GHR Music, with their debut scheduled for April 2026.
As of August 2026, AOMG continues to operate under the leadership of CEO Yoo Deok-gon, focusing on its rebranded image and new roster of artists. While the departure of many founding and prominent artists marked a significant shift, the label is actively working to rebuild its roster and expand its musical offerings, including venturing into the girl group market.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if AOMG (Above Ordinary Music Group) made different choices?