The second joint audition program of HYBE and Geffen Records, World Scout: the final piecewill premiere on Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on the 24th at 8pm World Scout: the final piece follows the journey to find the last member of a new four-member global girl group ready to conquer the international scene. The competition is particularly fiercewith over 14,000 candidates vying for just one remaining spot.
The last selected contestant will debut later this year as part of a team alongside Emily Kelabos, Lexie Levin and Samara Siqueira, contestants who previously gained recognition through The debut: Dream Academythe audition program that launched KATSEYE.
The studio’s schedule is equally star-studded. LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, ILLIT’s Iroha and Moka, and former AKB48 member, producer and actress Rino Sashihara will appear as speakers. They are expected to offer warm support as they observe the contestants’ growth and key decision-making moments throughout the show.
Son Sung-deuk, Chief Creative Officer of HxG, will serve as a judge. Widely known as BTS’s longtime choreographerSon previously oversaw all aspects The debut: Dream Academyincluding planning, music, visuals and production, helping to maximize the potential of contestants. His sharp yet thoughtful leadership is once again highly anticipated.
Global music industry insiders are looking closely at the expansion of “K-pop methodology” supported by HYBE president Bang Si-hyuk. At the heart of this system is HYBE’s unique infrastructure: discover high-potential talent, nurture them into “complete artists” through vocal, dance and character training, and connect them organically with fan communities that can support global fandoms.
KATSEYE has already demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. Despite debuting less than a year ago, the group has achieved notable success on major charts, including the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, the UK Official Singles Top 100 and Spotify’s global charts. More recently, they were simultaneously nominated for Best New Artist AND Best pop duo/group performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
