"I wanted to establish a global group that draws inspiration from the K-pop methodology, which has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. I'm thrilled to finally share this long-held dream with all of you."
HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk announced the launch of the global girl group debut project with these words during a gathering of "The Debut: Dream Academy," convened at a studio in Santa Monica, Los Angeles on the 28th (local time).
During the event, the final 20 participants of the audition project were revealed for the very first time. These contestants hail from 12 countries, including Korea, the United States, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland, and Sweden. Their selection followed a highly competitive ratio of 6,000 to 1.
Ranging from 14 to 21 years old, the participants possess a variety of nationalities. Over the past year, they underwent a training program for trainees based in the United States. Despite their diverse cultural backgrounds, the participants forged friendships, as Chairman Bang highlighted, "We are committed to showcasing the strengths of every culture, transcending beyond the boundaries of the U.S. market."
Auditions for the finals are set to span 12 weeks, running from September 2 to November 18. Throughout each phase, the ultimate debut member will be selected through evaluations by judges and global viewer voting scores. The entire progression will be documented through YouTube and other platforms. Furthermore, the complete audition journey will be crafted into a Netflix documentary, scheduled for release in 2024. Chairman Bang emphasized, "This global girl group will thrive in accordance with the K-pop methodology, and Korea will play a crucial and vibrant role."
The initiative, carried out since 2021 by HYBE, the force behind BTS, in collaboration with Geffen Records under Universal Music Group, marks a significant partnership.
Creative director Umberto Leon remarked, "We are dedicated to presenting an amalgamation of Eastern and Western influences on stage, incorporating bindi (a forehead ornament) for Indian members and Korean-style danggi hair for the Korean members."
“Breaking Boundaries and Fusing Cultures: Explore the Journey of Talented Individuals from Around the World as They Embark on a Musical Odyssey.”
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