Courtesy of HYBE
In the bustling district of Gangnam, Seoul, aspiring K-pop idols from diverse corners of the world gathered at Ilchi Art Hall for the fan meet and greet event of "The Debut: Dream Academy." Sixteen dedicated contestants, representing a rich blend of nationalities, including Korea, the United States, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Japan, the Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, and Thailand, congregated to pursue their collective dream of gracing the K-pop stage. This global event, held on Wednesday, drew fervent participation from fans across 150 countries, both in person and online, showcasing the burgeoning global influence of the K-pop phenomenon.
Regrettably, two talented 15-year-old contestants, Ua and Yoonchae, were unable to attend in adherence to California's labor laws governing minors. Despite their absence, the vibrant energy within the Ilchi Art Hall reverberated as participants delved into spirited performances, enchanting the audience with renditions of songs by Le Sserafim, including "Fearless" and "Antifragile." The applause was resounding, a testament to their immense talent and the resilience they exhibited during their inaugural performance.
The event unfolded with heartfelt performances, captivating personal narratives, and a sense of camaraderie as contestants shared their arduous journeys into the world of K-pop. Megan from the U.S. reminisced about her initial foray into the K-pop universe, recalling her first choreographed routine to "Run" by BTS, a group that inspired her deeply. Lexie from Sweden, showcasing her songwriting prowess, drew inspiration from established K-pop artists like TWICE, Stray Kids, and NewJeans. Mei from Japan, an ardent K-pop enthusiast since childhood, reflected on her lifelong passion, embracing the melodies and moves of the K-pop genre. Ezrela, an Indian-Australian contestant, expressed her desire to blend Indian musical elements into K-pop, displaying her affinity for the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.
In the lead-up to the event, fans from around the world sent letters of encouragement, expressing unwavering support for the contestants regardless of the outcome. These heartfelt messages visibly moved some contestants, leaving them teary-eyed and touched by the outpouring of love and support.
The hour-long fan event culminated in a heartwarming exchange of hand signs between the participants and their adoring fans, a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their unswerving support. As the contestants eagerly await the results of the second mission of the talent show, to be disclosed on Oct. 9, they will soon return to the U.S. to gear up for the third mission. The fate of their debut in the coveted K-pop industry will be sealed during the "Live Final Show" scheduled for Nov. 18. These 18 surviving participants, meticulously chosen from a vast pool of 120,000 applicants, have spent a dedicated year honing their skills at HYBE's American branch and Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. This groundbreaking collaboration, initiated in 2021, birthed the joint venture HYBE x Geffen Records (HxG), paving the way for the ambitious "The Debut" project, a venture poised to shape the future of K-pop.
Sayart.net
Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com
