HYBE Bang Si Hyuk “I’ve wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while”

HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si Hyuk and GEFFEN Records’ Chairman John Janick joined hands through “The Debut: Dream Academy”.

“The Debut: Dream Academy” is a global girl group audition program hosted by HYBE X GEFFEN Records (HYBE and Universal Music Group’s joint venture). 20 trainees were chosen through a fierce 6000:1 competition among 120,000 applicants around the world over the past two years. At the on-offline press conference held at 9 AM on August 29th (KST) in IGA Studio, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA, 20 trainees were revealed for the first time. The trainees are from 12 regions, including Korea, the United States, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Belarus, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines, and their ages range from 14 to 21.

Chairman Bang Si Hyuk said, “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. 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.”

Chairman John Janick shared, “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. It’s 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.”

Source: Daum