Imagine an American-born girl group with a K-pop flair. The world is on the brink of witnessing just that.
HYBE, the powerhouse behind K-pop sensation BTS, has joined forces with Geffen Records to curate their very first international girl group. This ensemble is crafted from artists who have undergone training similar to the rigorous process aspiring K-pop idols experience within the trainee system. This groundbreaking collaboration between the South Korean entertainment titan and the American label was forged in November 2021. The journey of meticulously assembling this group will take center stage in a forthcoming 2024 Netflix documentary series, directed by Nadia Hallgren, known for “Becoming.”
For the next 12 weeks, all eyes are on the selection process, with fans holding significant influence in determining the ultimate lineup.
Twenty exceptional women have been meticulously chosen from a pool of over 120,000 applicants. Quieheitly honing tr skills in Los Angeles over the past year, they are now in contention for coveted spots in the final lineup. The unfolding audition program, dubbed “The Debut: Dream Academy,” is already underway, as confirmed by HYBE and Geffen. The official YouTube channel is live, featuring insightful interviews that delve into the project’s foundation.
Beginning September 1 at 11 A.M. ET, audition content will premiere on the YouTube channel and continue to be unveiled throughout the ensuing 12 weeks. While specifics of what’s in store remain undisclosed, this post will be continually updated as more information surfaces.
The grand finale, scheduled for November 17, will be presented in real-time. This event will unveil the ultimate lineup and the official name of the girl group.
Fans hold the power to cast their votes for favored contestants through platforms like TikTok and WeVerse. Competitors will also receive valuable feedback and guidance from a panel of seasoned evaluators.
In an exclusive preview, ELLE.com showcases a group photo of the ensemble. The visual concept is curated by Shirley Kurata, acclaimed for her work as the Oscar-nominated costume designer for “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Her impressive portfolio also includes collaboration with another Gen Z music icon, Billie Eilish. Other influential figures in the industry lending their expertise to this endeavor include Humberto Leon, the visionary behind Opening Ceremony, who assumes the role of creative director. Sungdeuk Son, an executive creator at HYBE and the group’s in-house choreographer and performance director, also plays a pivotal role in shaping their artistic journey.
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