HYBE and GEFFEN reveal 20 aspirants for Global Girl Group under, “The Debut: Dream Academy” Program

(From left) John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records; Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE; and Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group attend as HYBE x Geffen Records announce contestants for the global girl group on August in Santa Monica, California (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for HYBE x Geffen Records)

This is the first time that a major US record label and a K-pop entertainment agency have collaborated to assemble, develop, and introduce an international girl group unlike any other.

They will now compete in the world-class audition program titled “The Debut: Dream Academy”, and fans can follow the contestants as they embark on the audition program. 

The content will premiere in September 1 at 8 a.m. US PDT on YouTube (Global), and ABEMA (Japan). At the end of the audition program later this year, the final members of the group will be determined, and the name of the group will be revealed.

During the press conference for the event held at IGA Studios in Santa Monica, California, Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE, and John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M, discussed the global girl group. 

“I have long wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology. 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. 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,” said Bang Si-hyuk. 

Janick said, “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 worldwide.”

A panel of experts discussed the project. They were Tom March, president, of Geffen Records; Mitra Darab, president, HxG; Sungdeuk Son, executive creator, HxG); Humberto Leon, creative director; and Jay Ihn, head of creative production, HxG.

The 20 contestants were revealed next.An art film was unveiled to introduce the contestants.