Class is finally in session for The Debut: Dream Academy.
HYBE and Geffen Records revealed Monday evening (Aug. 28) the 20 talented contestants from around the world who will be competing for a spot in the first-ever HYBE x Geffen Records global girl group.
The diverse group of young women were selected from more than 120,000 submissions after HYBE and Geffen announced the joint venture — HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition — in November 2021. The lengthy process of creating the group will be documented in an upcoming Nadia Hallgren-directed Netflix series, which will delve into the journey to global stardom while including insight into the extensive training and development program from HYBE and Geffen Records. The currently untitled series is set to premiere in 2024.
In the meantime, the 20 contestants will participate in The Debut: Dream Academy audition program, which fans can follow along with on YouTube and Japan’s ABEMA beginning Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT. After 12 weeks, the final members of the group will be selected and the name of the group will be revealed at the live finale on Nov. 17. Fans will play a crucial role throughout the entire competition via fan voting on Weverse and TikTok.
“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk shared at a press event in Los Angeles on Monday night. “To do this, I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met [Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO] 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.”
For his part, Janick added: “Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity. 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.”
Geffen President Tom March added: “Watching these incredible candidates work so hard to fulfill their potential creatively has been hugely inspiring to me and everyone at Geffen. People are going to be blown away when they see what each of these candidates has been able to achieve so far.”
Below, in alphabetical order, find the names, ages and home countries of the 20 gifted contestants competing to be in the international girl group.
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