K-pop Powerhouse Hybe Boasts Nearly a Third of Non-Korean Idols-in-Training, Ushering in a New Era of Global Representation

Hybe

In a groundbreaking shift towards inclusivity and global appeal, Hybe, the entertainment company behind the sensational boy group BTS, has revealed that approximately 28 percent of its K-pop idols-in-training are non-Korean nationals. This revelation came to light following a media inquiry made by The Korea Herald, shedding light on the industry's growing efforts to diversify and expand its talent pool.

While Hybe, which houses prominent acts like NewJeans, Seventeen, Zico, and Le Sserafim, denies having a specific strategy to increase the proportion of foreign trainees, the company remains committed to supporting the selection and development of talented individuals from all corners of the world. A Hybe spokesperson affirmed this stance, emphasizing the need for artists who can make a global impact within their multilabel system.

Although Hybe did not disclose the exact number of trainees or the proportion by country, the significant representation of non-Korean trainees is undoubtedly a milestone in the K-pop industry. By embracing talent from diverse backgrounds, K-pop agencies seek to expand their reach and appeal to a broader international audience through global auditions and talent scouting.

Lee Gyu-tag, an associate professor at George Mason University Korea, specializing in the globalization of K-pop, underscored the significance of Hybe's approach. He noted that the rise in the number of non-Korean trainees indicates the industry's recognition of the value and potential in showcasing diverse talent. This strategy has already proven successful in instances like Blackpink, where one of the quartet's members, Lisa, hails from Thailand, and EXO, which featured four Chinese members among the twelve during their debut in 2012.

While other major K-pop agencies like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment have chosen to keep the proportion of foreign nationals among their trainees confidential, the industry-wide movement towards inclusivity remains evident. As the K-pop phenomenon continues to captivate the world, embracing diversity and fostering cross-cultural collaboration appear to be key factors in propelling the genre's global influence to even greater heights.

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