R.Tee, the hitmaker behind BLACKPINK’s ‘Playing with Fire’, ‘Kill This Love’ and BIGBANG’s ‘Fxxk It’, has embarked on an independent path with the launch of his label RTST LABEL, outlining plans to expand his musical universe beyond the systems he has worked within over the past decade.
Speaking at RTST LABEL’s Seongsu-dong headquarters on Aug. 7 KST, R.Tee said, “Until now, I’ve been writing inside a given system; now I want to build that framework myself. I also want to introduce great artists to the public.” He explained that RTST stands for “R.Tee’s style,” reflecting a commitment to work with passionate, sincere creators and to build a home for artists who dedicate their lives to music.
The producer set out three aims: discovering creators unconstrained by genre, developing solo artists for the global stage, and helping establish Korea as a powerhouse in electronic music. “Just as Germany recognized techno as cultural heritage, I believe Korea can build a healthy electronic music ecosystem. I want this label to be that experimental ground,” he noted.
The first project from RTST LABEL is ‘Damdadi’, a collaboration single with Jeon So Yeon of I-DLE, slated for release on Aug. 10 KST. Inspired by a 1980s song of the same name, the track reimagines its spirit with upbeat funk rhythms, hip-hop beats, and Jeon So Yeon’s signature direct rap. “I wanted to keep the playfulness of the original while creating a sound today’s generation can enjoy,” said R.Tee.
Praising his collaborator, R.Tee added, “She immerses herself deeply and presents a clear concept. Trusting each other’s strengths made this possible. She matched the character I envisioned—like a gift.” He hopes a new generation will remember this as today’s ‘Damdadi’.
A devotee of classic Korean pop, R.Tee cited Sanulrim as a formative inspiration: “I’ll never forget the shock of first hearing ‘Spread Silk on My Heart’. If I ever meet a ‘muse’-like band, I’d play them Sanulrim’s music before my own.”
For the ‘Damdadi’ music video, he deliberately subverted expectations: “Instead of the usual ‘glossy music = glossy visuals’ pairing, we combined a cool track with a hip, playful video. The sexy concept scenes were refined by the director, but the overall direction was mine.”
R.Tee joined YG Entertainment in 2014, producing for BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, and more, contributing to hits like ‘As If It’s Your Last’ and ‘DDU-DU DDU-DU’. He later continued work at THEBLACKLABEL with Jeon Somi while pursuing solo and DJ activities. “With BLACKPINK songs, I made what felt right—no overthinking. When things click, the result can feel miraculous,” he said.
On K-pop’s DNA, R.Tee described it as “music designed to be seen”—a multilayered genre engineered from fan engagement to group systems. Addressing perceptions of electronic music as niche, he pointed to access barriers and lingering misconceptions about DJs, adding, “Electronic music can bring good energy to daily life, not just clubs.”
Looking ahead, R.Tee plans cross-genre fusion, international producer collaborations, and discovery of new Korean talent, while continuing to perform at major events such as ‘Ultra Music Festival’ and ‘World DJ Festival’. A decade ago, he even converted a five-ton truck for a “traveling EDM festival.” “People who can’t go to clubs should still enjoy electronic music. I’d love to host private shows at the label lounge,” he said.
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