BTS' label HYBE has teamed up with Geffen Records to produce the first-ever international girl group.
According to reports, the 20 contestants of the upcoming competition show called "The Debut: Dream Academy" have been unveiled; they have been selected out of the more than 120,000 submissions to the recording label companies.
The first screening of auditions was initially labeled as "HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition" last November 2021; the entire process will be released as a Netflix series, filmed and directed by Nadia Hallgren.
For now, though, fans can keep up with whatever is happening to the competition show through YouTube or Japan's ABEMA starting Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. ET or 8 a.m. PT.
The First-Ever International Girl Group
HYBE is known for handling KPOP superstars BTS and other groups such as SEVENTEEN, TXT, and more.
On the other hand, Geffen Records has been around for over four decades already. The label has released the recordings of some of the biggest artists in music like Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Cher, Guns N' Roses, John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Aerosmith, Blink-182, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado, Nirvana, and more.
The girl group that will eventually come out of "The Debut: Dream Academy" are surely in capable and good hands-especially given the solid history of the aforementioned recording labels as well as their artists.
Apparently, this project has been in the works for quite some time now. HYBE chairman, Si Hyuk Bang, admitted, "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 [Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO] 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."
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'The Debut: Dream Academy'
According to reports, the 20 contestants will undergo what appears to be a survival competition in the course of 12 weeks. Viewers will be voting for their favorite contestant, which will be one of the determinants of whether they stay or go.
This concept of a survival competition show is no stranger to KPOP fans, as this is actually quite common in South Korea. Numerous groups have been formed this way, like TWICE, StrayKids, and more.
"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," said John Janick, the CEO of Geffen Records.
"Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world."
