Hybe x Geffen
In a dazzling display of talent and ambition, the "Dream Academy" project, a collaborative effort between Hybe and Geffen, unveiled its 18 trainees to fans in Seoul during their first fan gathering. The event, aptly named "Break Time," provided a moment of respite for the aspiring artists amid a fiercely competitive audition process, vying for a coveted spot in the upcoming global K-pop group. Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse known for BTS, and Geffen, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, are pooling their resources to birth the next sensation in the K-pop realm.
The ambitious project commenced on September 2, featuring 20 female contestants hailing from 12 countries, aged between 15 to 21. The event showcased the trainees' passion and determination as they performed their second-round mission songs, captivating fans both in person and through an online live-streaming service via Weverse. Amidst the excitement, fans had the opportunity to connect with the contestants through a talk session, gaining insight into their dreams and motivations.
As the competition intensifies, with eliminations planned after the second mission on October 9, the aspiring artists shared their inspirations and aspirations. One contestant, Sophia from the Philippines, drew her inspiration from her family, while Iliya from Belarus envisioned a group that fearlessly tackles societal change through music. The 18 candidates, carefully selected from an initial pool of 120,000 applicants, have already come a long way, enduring a year of rigorous training before "Dream Academy" officially kicked off in September.
Their journeys and aspirations offer invaluable advice for aspiring artists. Emily, a 17-year-old American contestant, urged individuals to passionately pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of finding one's passion. Nayoung, who has experience singing solo in South Korea, cherished the sense of camaraderie fostered within the team during the project, underscoring the joy of collective creation and collaboration.
The competition will culminate in the program's final episode on November 18, where the selected winners will embark on a remarkable journey as part of the debut group under Hybe x Geffen. The spotlight is on these 18 aspiring K-pop stars, each vying for a chance to make history on the global music stage.
The 18 trainees who graced the "Break Time" event are as follows: Brooklyn (US), Celeste (Argentina), Daniela (US), Emily (US), Ezrela (Australia), Iliya (Belarus), Karlee (US), Lara (US), Lexie (Sweden), Manon (Switzerland), Marquise (Thailand), Megan (US), Mei (Japan), Nayoung (South Korea), Samara (Brazil), Sophia (Philippines), Ua (Japan), and Yoonchae (South Korea).
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Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
