Classes for The Debut: Dream Academy have finally begun.
HYBE and Geffen Records announced on Monday evening (August 28) the 20 talented contestants from around the world who will compete for a spot in HYBE x Geffen Records’ first-ever global girl group.
The diverse group of young women were selected from more than 120,000 entries after HYBE and Geffen announced their joint venture – HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition – in November 2021. The lengthy process of forming the group will be documented in an upcoming Nadia Hallgren film. Directed Netflix series exploring the journey to global stardom while providing insight into HYBE and Geffen Records’ extensive training and development program. The premiere of the currently untitled series is planned for 2024.
Meanwhile, the 20 contestants will join the casting program, The Debut: Dream Academy, which fans can watch on YouTube and Japan’s ABEMA starting September 1 at 11am ET/8am PT. After 12 weeks, the final members of the group will be chosen and the name of the group announced at the live finals on November 17th. Fans will have a vital role to play throughout the competition through fan voting on Weverse and TikTok.
“I’ve wanted to start an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk said at a press event in Los Angeles Monday night. “To achieve this, I believed that we needed a competent partner. when i met [Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO] John [Janick]From the first moment we both immediately felt that we had a connection musically and creatively. I’m very proud of the rich history we’ve written and the tremendous talent we’ve found. I’m proud of the opportunities we’ve created in 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 belief in the development of artists, music and creativity. Building a global group with Bang using the best K-Pop methodology and our Geffen team is truly special and will bring to life a unique musical experience. Each contestant is incredibly talented, dedicated and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world.”
Geffen President Tom March added, “Seeing these incredible candidates work so hard to creatively fulfill their potential has been tremendously inspiring to me and everyone at Geffen.” People will be blown away when they see what each of these candidates does has achieved so far.”
What’s “incredibly exciting” about this new group, according to HxG President Mitra Darab, is “the multinational, global nature of the artists.” We live in a world that’s so connected these days, and music is what breaks down the barriers between languages and transcends cultures.”
Below, in alphabetical order, are the names, ages and home countries of the 20 talented contestants competing to join the international girl group.
adela
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 19
home country: SlovakiaBrooklyn
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsCeleste
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 19
home country: ArgentinaDaniela
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsEmily
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsEsrela
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 20
home country: Australiahinari
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 14
home country: JapanIliya
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 21
home country: Belaruscarlee
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Recordslara
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsLexie
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 19
home country: Swedenmanon
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 21
home country: Switzerlandmarquise
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 17
home country: Thailandmei
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 17
home country: JapanMegan
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Recordshey
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 21
home country: South KoreaSamara
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 17
home country: BrazilSophia
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 20
home country: Philippinesetc
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 15
home country: JapanYoonchae
Image Source: Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen RecordsAge: 15
home country: South Korea
