Existing Office at the Center of 'Building Code Violation' Controversy
Lease Expires in October
Jennie of the group BLACKPINK is relocating her independent label, Odd Atelier (OA), to a new space in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
According to Chosun Ilbo's Ttangjipgo on September 2, OA plans to move its office to a newly constructed building in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, this coming November.
OA's current lease for its standalone house office in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, is set to expire in October, which appears to be the reason for the decision to relocate to a small building in Hannam-dong. Interior renovations are underway, and the company is scheduled to move in at the beginning of November. As of the end of last year, the building's lease terms were reported to be a deposit of 1.5 to 2.5 billion won, with monthly rent ranging from 60 to 80 million won, and the sale price is estimated at approximately 45 billion won.
The new headquarters is a neighborhood living facility with one basement level and four above-ground floors, totaling a gross floor area of 927 square meters (about 280 pyeong), and was completed in April last year. The exterior, facing southwest, has a gallery-like atmosphere, and the rooftop offers views of the Han River.
The building was designed by architect Hong Taeseon, an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Hong has designed numerous high-end buildings in Korea, including Lotte Premium Outlet Paju, Yeouido Ricenzia, and Pocheon Hillmaru Golf Club.
The location of the new headquarters is also a major advantage. Situated on the main road at the north end of Hannam Bridge, it provides easy access between Gangnam and Gangbuk, and the entire city of Seoul can be reached via Hangangjin Station and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. The Hannam Ogeori bus stop is just a three-minute walk away, and the area is filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and various amenities, making both the work and living environment highly rated.
The decision to move also appears to have been influenced by controversy over building code violations at the previous office. The standalone house in Itaewon-dong was originally approved for use as an art museum but was reportedly converted and used as an office without permission. Yongsan-gu Office has announced administrative action against the building's owner.
Jennie left YG Entertainment in 2023 to establish her own agency, OA. In March, she released her first full-length album as an independent artist, "Ruby," which was selected by the prominent U.S. music magazine Rolling Stone as one of "The Best Albums of 2025 So Far."
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