HYBE and Geffen are creating a global girl group. And Netflix is filming it.
Two of the world’s biggest record labels are set to use the K-pop model to create what they hope will be the next big global girl group — and Netflix is filming the whole process.
On Monday, K-pop powerhouse and BTS’ label HYBE and Universal Music Group imprint Geffen Records announced 20 contestants from around the world who will compete in an audition program called The Debut: Dream Academy, which is based on the long-developed system for K-pop idol training. It’s the first time a major American and K-pop label have teamed up to handpick and develop a group like this.
“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” said HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk in a press statement.
“To do this I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met [chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M] John [Janick], from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively. I am very proud of the rich history we have made and the tremendous talent we have found. I am proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-pop universe.”
The whole training and selection process of The Debut: Dream Academy will be filmed and eventually captured in a docuseries for Netflix, directed by Becoming‘s Nadia Hallgren and set for release in 2024. But before then, you can watch the process through videos made for YouTube and Japan’s ABEMA , launching Thursday and running for 12 weeks until the finale on Nov. 17, when the final lineup and the group’s name will be revealed.
HYBE and Geffen introduced the 20 contestants during a livestream event on Monday, and with a video directed by Andrew Thomas Huang below. They were selected from over 120,000 applicants following the project’s announcement in Nov. 2021. Aged between 14 and 21, they hail from a range of countries across the world — not just South Korea and the U.S. where the project’s labels are based.
The Dream Academy contestants are Adela (Slovakia), Brooklyn (U.S.), Celeste (Argentina), Daniela (U.S.), Emily (U.S.), Ezrela (Australia), Hinari (Japan), Iliya (Belarus), Karlee (U.S.), Lara (U.S.), Lexie (Sweden), Manon (Switzerland), Marquise (Thailand), Mei (Japan), Megan (U.S.), Nayoung (South Korea), Samara (Brazil), Sophia (Philippines), Ua (Japan), Yoonchae (South Korea).
“Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity,” John Janick, Interscope Geffen A&M chairman and CEO, said in a press statement. “To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-Pop methodology, and our Geffen team, is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its kind experience in music. Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world.”
Fans will be able to vote for their favourites through a Weverse integration and on TikTok, with details to come — and it’s not clear how much impact your vote will actually have on the final lineup, as there’s also a panel of evaluators in place to develop the group.
