Happy Face Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company established in 2008 by producer E-Tribe's Ahn Myung-won and Kim Young-deuk.
History
2008–2010: Establishment and mainstream breakthrough
Happy Face Entertainment was established on August 15, 2008, as Harvest Entertainment. The label changed their name to Happy Face Entertainment on January 23, 2009. The agency debuted their first artist, Nassun, through Lee Hyo-ri's 2008 hit U-Go-Girl, which was produced by E-Tribe. This single launched E-Tribe, Nassun, and the agency into mainstream popularity. On January 5, 2009, Girls' Generation released the single Gee, which was produced by E-Tribe. The single charted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Chart for two months and claimed over ten year-end awards. A Japanese version of the song was released in 2010 with composition credited to E-Tribe. Rap-pop duo One Two, signed a contract with Happy Face Entertainment in early 2009. The duo released "Starry Night", "Bad Girl, "Walala Lalale", and "Very Good" before their disbandment in late 2010. The agency briefly worked with HybRefine and Sanchez, now known as Phantom, in 2010 to produce the singles "You Can Fly", "Cosmic Dance", "Rain U", and "Sanchez-San Toi".
2011–2015: Debuting artist, joint venture and development
Following the success of E-Tribe's productions, the label made the decision to debut their first idol girl group, Dal Shabet. On May 4, 2011, it was announced that Happy Face Entertainment would be merging with Y-WHO Enterprise, small entertainment agency founded by ex-4men member, and current Vibe member, Yoon Min-soo. With the merger, Y-WHO Enterprise artists 4men, Bebe Mignon and MIIII officially became label-mates of Nassun and Dal Shabet. In mid-2012, it was revealed that Bebe Mignon members Haegeum and Park Ga-Eul had left Happy Face Entertainment, effectively disbanding the group. Member Ben has since been re-debuted by the agency as a solo artist. Actress Yeon Mi-Ju of the hit television series Lovers signed an exclusive contract with Happy Face Entertainment on May 21, 2014. On July 31, 2014, famous breakdancer and recording artistNam Hyun-joon and his wife Park Aeri joined the company. In September 2014, Happy Face Entertainment debuted MINX, its first girl group since Dal Shabet three years prior. In 2015, returning vocal group V.O.S. signed with Happy Face for their comeback.
2017–present: Sub-labels
In January 2017, Happy Face Entertainment re-formed MINX to be a seven-member girl group as Dreamcatcher. Happy Face Entertainment launched their first sub-label, HF Music Company. On January 31, 2017Kpop Star 5 contestant Lee Si-eun signed an exclusive contract with HF Music Company. In April 2017, the label sent four male trainees to participate in the second season of Produce 101. In August 2017, the label debuted trio Classmate. In December 2017, Dal Shabet members Serri, Subin and Ah Young parted ways with the company following the expiration of their contracts. The group, however, was said to not be disbanded, and future activities of the four-member group remains to be discussed. In June 2018, Happy Face Entertainment trainee Woo Jin Young finished first place on the YG Entertainment survival show Mixnine. The company filed a lawsuit against YG following the cancellation of the group that was set to debut. In February 2019, Happy Face Entertainment set up sub-label, Dreamcatcher Company. In March 2019, following announcement of D1CE's debut, a sub-label named D1CE Entertainment was set up.
