Jessi Launches UNNI: New Company Partners with DOD

On September 20, 2024, MBC Entertainment reported that South Korean rapper and solo artist, Jessi, has launched her own company, UNNI, also known as UNNI Co. THE BIG SISTER COMPANY. This venture marks an exciting new chapter in her career, as she has also signed a management deal with the well-known entertainment company DOD.

DOD is recognized for representing several popular K-pop groups and artists, including BTOB’s Seo Eun-kwang and Lee Min-hyuk, known as Huta. The company also manages talents like MOMOLAND’s Nancy, NMIXX’s Jini, Lim Hyun-sik, and Korean-American rapper-songwriter Peniel.

DOD has expressed its full support for Jessi’s independent label, stating,

“We will do our best to support Jessi, who possesses diverse skills and talents, enabling her to showcase her potential in various fields beyond music.”

Jessi Shares a Touching Message Alongside Her Label Announcement

The “NUNU NANA”rapper has also unveiled the official Instagram account for her company, @callmyunni. She shared a pink graphic featuring “UNNI”in bold white letters and took the opportunity to update her fans—known as JEBBIES—about this milestone. In her caption, she elaborated on her choice of the name “Unni”for her company.

“I would like to express my utmost gratitude to my JEBBIES. You’ve been with me through both my highs and lows. It took some time, but we are finally here, baby! I am thrilled to announce my new independent label, Unni.”

In Korean, “unni”translates to “older sister,”symbolizing someone who cares for those younger than her. Jessi elaborated that an “unni”is not just a figure of support but also someone who teaches others to honor themselves, stating,

“‘Unni’ signifies an older sister who will always look out for you. She shows you how to do makeup, introduces you to great music, and teaches you self-expression. Above all, she imparts that you won’t earn respect from others if you don’t respect yourself. When I finally decided to launch my own company, there was no better name for it.”

She concluded her message with a pledge to produce new music that her fans will cherish.

Jessi made her debut in 2005 with the single album “Get Up.”After a hiatus in 2009, she returned in 2014 as a member of the hip-hop trio Lucky J under YMC Entertainment. Her contract with YMC wrapped up in October 2018, after which she joined PSY’s company, P NATION, in January 2019, releasing her hit single “Who Dat B”on September 23, 2019.

The “Cold Blooded”rapper’s contract with P NATION concluded in June 2022, and she subsequently joined K-pop soloist Jay Park’s label, More Vision, on April 14, 2023. However, she ended her contract with More Vision on January 31, 2024.

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