HYBE and Geffen Records’ second joint audition program, World Scout: The Final Piece, is set to premiere on Japan’s OTT platform ABEMA on the 24th at 8 p.m. World Scout: The Final Piece follows the journey to find the final member of a new four-member global girl group poised to take the international stage. The competition is especially fierce, with over 14,000 applicants vying for just one remaining spot.
The final selected contestant will debut later this year as part of a team alongside Emily Kelabos, Lexie Levin, and Samara Siqueira, participants who previously gained recognition through The Debut: Dream Academy, the audition program that launched KATSEYE.
The studio panel lineup is equally star-studded. LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, ILLIT’s Iroha and Moka, and former AKB48 member, producer, and actress Rino Sashihara will appear as panelists. They are expected to offer warm support as they observe the contestants’ growth and key decision-making moments throughout the show.
Son Sung-deuk, Chief Creative Officer of HxG, will serve as a judge. Widely known as BTS’s longtime choreographer, Son previously oversaw all aspects of The Debut: Dream Academy, including planning, music, visuals, and production, helping maximize the contestants’ potential. His sharp yet thoughtful guidance is once again highly anticipated.
Global music industry insiders are closely watching the expansion of the “K-pop methodology” advocated by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. At the core of this system is HYBE’s unique infrastructure: discovering high-potential talent, nurturing them into “complete artists” through vocal, dance, and character training, and organically connecting them with fan communities capable of sustaining global fandoms.
KATSEYE has already proven the effectiveness of this approach. Despite debuting less than a year ago, the group has achieved notable success on major charts, including the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, the UK Official Singles Top 100, and Spotify’s Global charts. Most recently, they were simultaneously nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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