HYBE x Geffen confirmed on July 13 that Lexie Levin has parted ways with upcoming girl group SAINT SATINE and the label completely – ahead of the group’s formal debut. The announcement, published via the joint HYBE x Geffen account on Weverse and across the group’s social media channels, describes the split as the result of a mutual agreement following extensive discussions.
“Following thorough and thoughtful discussions with Lexie regarding the group’s future activities, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways,” the statement read. “Although Lexie will no longer continue as a member of SAINT SATINE or as part of HxG, we sincerely wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” The label has confirmed that it will continue to support SAINT SATINE’s debut journey.
Lexie’s words
Hours after the official announcement, Lexie, 21, posted a statement on her Instagram Stories addressing fans directly. He described the decision with a mixture of gratitude and candor.
“When I joined the SAINT SATINE Project, I truly believed it was the right place for me,” she wrote. “I was excited about the vision presented and the future plans we would work on together. HYBE x Geffen will always have a special place in my heart. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities they have given me and the lessons I have learned from them. But now we have come to the mutual decision that this is the right time to move forward separately.”
He addressed the emotional weight of the decision, making it clear that he has found peace with it: “Even though I feel sad, I have found peace in the fact that some things in life are not meant to be. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the team, but we have different ways of operating, and that’s okay!” She concluded by asking fans to continue supporting her “forever sisters” – Emily, Samara and Sakura – and joked: “My debut and my future may look different than you expected, but stay tuned! I’m not done yet.”
Who is SAINT SATINE?
SAINT SATINE was announced in May as the next big global girl group to form a partnership with the HYBE x Geffen label, the same pipeline that produced KATSEYE. The four-member lineup of the group was assembled through two separate processes: Lexie (Swedish, born in Stockholm), Emily Kelavos (USA) and Samara Siqueira (Brazil) were all contestants on the 2023 Survival Series. The debut: Dream Academywhich also produced KATSEYE. The fourth member, Japanese singer Tobi Sakura, was selected through the subsequent global competition World Scout: the final piececoncluded in May 2026. The group also performed pre-debut songs “PARTY b4 the PARTY” and “WE RIDE” during the World Scout final.
Levin had previously retired The debut: Dream Academy after seven weeks before returning to the HYBE x Geffen system as part of SAINT SATINE.
What happens next
SAINT SATINE currently has three remaining members — Emily, Samara and Sakura — with the label confirming that the group’s debut plans remain on track. It has not been confirmed whether a fourth member will be added to replace Lexie, or whether the group will proceed as a three-piece. Fans noticed that signs of Lexie’s absence had begun to appear in the group’s social media content in the weeks leading up to the announcement, with recent posts showing only the three remaining members. It is unclear whether Levin will pursue a solo career or another group project. His statement ended with a promise to fans: “I’m not done yet.”
