The former director of SM Entertainment, Jung Hae Ik, is preparing the debut of a new girl group in February, according to his new talent agency, Happy Tribe Entertainment. Jung Hae Ik will team up with influential global record label Universal Music for the new project, as well as another Korean talent agency — With HC.

A spokesperson for Happy Tribe Entertainment announced, “Jung Hae Ik is currently preparing the debut release for this new girl group.”

Jung Hae Ik made a name for himself in the 1990s, and is considered as the driving force behind the chart popularity of SM artists like H.O.T, Shinhwa and S.E.S. He has also recently produced tracks for Boys Republic, and has previously worked with g.o.d.

Currently on the With HC roster are artists such as female trio Rubber Soul, male vocalist Taeha, and Mad Soul Child, whose vocalist Jin Sil has recently enjoyed chart success on collaborations with MC Mong and Mad Clown.