Geffen Records and HYBE Partner to Launch New K-pop Girl Group Search

In collaboration with HYBE, the creative K-Pop entertainment agency behind BTS, Geffen Records has embarked on a mission to uncover the world’s next groundbreaking female group. 

The organizations have announced a collaboration that combines talent and innovation, as well as the top 20 participants, chosen from an incredible 120,000 applicants, who will battle for a coveted seat in this global sensation.

The new group’s creation will unfold through the time-honored K-pop training system, offering an exclusive look behind the scenes through an upcoming Netflix documentary series scheduled for release in 2024. 

The esteemed Nadia Hallgren, known for her remarkable work including the Michelle Obama documentary “Becoming” and “Civil: Ben Crump,” has been chosen to direct this immersive journey.

Inception of the Partnership

Amidst the vibrant energy of IGA Studios in Santa Monica, the visionary minds behind this groundbreaking partnership gathered. HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si-Hyuk, and Interscope Geffen A&M’s chairman and CEO, John Janick, united on-site alongside the aspiring contestants to set the stage for what promises to be an industry-transforming collaboration. 

Si-Hyuk expressed, “I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while. To do this I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met John (Janick), from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively.”

Under the banner of HYBE, previously known as Big Hit Entertainment, the joint venture with Universal Music Group’s Geffen Records was established in 2021. 

This powerhouse alliance birthed a platform that brought together the exceptional talents of artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Kali Uchis under Geffen, and the sensational groups Tomorrow X Together, Seventeen, Enhypen, and global sensations BTS under the HYBE umbrella. 

BTS’s amazing journey has resulted in a slew of accomplishments, including 10 top 10 tracks on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, with six reaching No. 1. 

In addition to being the first Korean act to top the Hot 100 and receive a Grammy nomination, they have received a total of five Grammy nominations.

“Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have frequently spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music, and creativity,” said John Janick.

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.”

The forthcoming audition program, “The Debut: Dream Academy,” will offer an unprecedented peek into the aspirations of the 20 up-and-coming performers. 

Set to premiere on September 1 on YouTube and the Japanese streaming channel Abema, this groundbreaking program will culminate on November 17. 

On this pivotal date, the final members of the group, along with their moniker, will be unveiled. Music enthusiasts worldwide will play a vital role in shaping the group’s destiny, as they exercise their power to vote for their preferred performers via TikTok and Weverse.

The partnership between Geffen Records and HYBE serves as a testament to the dynamic evolution of the music industry. With a shared commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity, this joint venture stands poised to reshape the global music landscape.

As the spotlight turns to the 20 aspiring artists ready to seize the opportunity of a lifetime, anticipation mounts for the unveiling of the next international sensation that will captivate hearts and minds around the world.