29-8-2023 (SEOUL) Hybe, in collaboration with Universal Music’s Geffen Records, is set to form a groundbreaking international girl group using the K-pop methodology. The highly anticipated reality show titled “The Debut: Dream Academy” will feature 20 talented contestants from around the world, representing countries such as Slovakia, Argentina, the United States, and Japan. The competition will be broadcasted on YouTube, with the premiere episode scheduled for September 1 at 11 PM (Singapore time).
With fan engagement playing a crucial role, viewers will be able to participate in the competition by voting for their favorite contestants through Weverse and TikTok. The show’s Instagram page has revealed that “The Debut: Dream Academy” will consist of four episodes, leading up to a live finale slated for November.
During a press event announcing the contestants, Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk expressed his long-standing desire to create an international group based on the K-pop methodology. The partnership with John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M, was instrumental in realizing this vision. Both parties felt an instant musical and creative connection, paving the way for what promises to be a historic collaboration.
Hybe has released a captivating seven-minute video introducing the 20 contestants vying for a spot in “The Debut: Dream Academy,” showcasing their diverse talents and captivating personalities.
The journey of forming this global girl group will also be documented in an upcoming Netflix documentary series directed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren. Scheduled to premiere in 2024, the series will provide a deeper insight into Hybe’s unique training and development program, as well as the contestants’ path towards achieving global stardom.
The rise of K-pop’s popularity worldwide has spurred Korean music labels to expand their reach by creating global groups. JYP Entertainment, the agency behind the successful K-pop girl group Twice, recently launched the reality show “A2K.” The show aims to create an American girl group using JYP’s renowned trainee system and has garnered international attention with each episode amassing over a million views.
As the world eagerly awaits the debut of “The Debut: Dream Academy,” Hybe’s partnership with Geffen Records marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of K-pop. The collaboration aims to bring together extraordinary talent from diverse backgrounds and propel them towards international success.
