Hybe x Geffen
In a groundbreaking endeavor that melds the captivating world of K-pop with international musical aspirations, Hybe, the visionary force behind BTS's global phenomenon, has officially launched its monumental girl group project, aptly named "The Debut: Dream Academy." The project's inaugural stride was unveiled in a press conference jointly organized by Hybe and Geffen Records at IGA Studios in Santa Monica, California, on Monday.
As luminaries of the music industry, Hybe founder and Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO and Chairman John Janick, took the stage, symbolizing the commencement of an extraordinary musical odyssey. The event also featured esteemed guests such as Geffen Records' US President Tom March, HxG's President Mitra Drab, HxG's Executive Creator Son Sung-deuk, HxG's Creative Director Humberto Leon, and HxG's Head of Creative Production Jay Ihn.
In his address, Bang Si-hyuk revealed his long-nurtured aspiration of forming an international girl group that embraces the dynamic K-pop methodology, expressing his profound joy at sharing this long-cherished dream with the world. The collaborative project, referred to as "Dream Academy," first materialized in November 2021 when Hybe and Geffen Records, a subsidiary label of Universal Music Group, unveiled a global audition that would shape its future.
The collaborative joint venture, Hybe x Geffen, emerged to steer the project's trajectory. A staggering 120,000 aspiring talents submitted their auditions, resulting in the selection of 20 finalists who stand poised to embark on an extraordinary journey.
The union between Hybe and Geffen Records was catalyzed by UMG CEO and Chairman Lucian Grainge, forging a creative alliance that resonated seamlessly. As these industry moguls embarked on this collaborative odyssey, they resonated both creatively and musically, charting a path of joint creation that underpins the project.
Chairman Bang underscored the core essence of the project: nurturing global musicians through the famed K-pop training system, transcending cultural boundaries. This unique synergy between Western and K-pop training methodologies, once seen as divergent, has revealed a shared essence: identifying exceptional talent and witnessing their transformative growth.
The unveiling of the 20 contestants marked a pivotal moment, representing a harmonious fusion of cultures spanning 12 countries, including South Korea, the US, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Switzerland, Sweden, Slovakia, Belarus, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines. Their ages, ranging from 14 to 21, encapsulate a spectrum of youthful dreams and aspirations.
The "Dream Academy" project has already witnessed a year of collective training for the participants. With the final 12 weeks ahead, the contestants will navigate three demanding missions culminating in a live final show on November 18. As they journey towards their debut, their diverse backgrounds and talents will flourish, with global performances that mirror their individual strengths.
The narrative of "The Debut: Dream Academy" will reverberate through the digital realm, harnessing social media platforms to document their journey. With content disseminated across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, fans will gain intimate access to their creative process. The climactic final show on November 18 will stream live via YouTube and Weverse, offering a window into the moment of truth.
Anticipation mounts as the official fan community opens its doors, fostering direct communication between contestants and their admirers. Furthermore, a Netflix docuseries is slated to unravel the intricacies of the participants' path to debut, poised to captivate audiences worldwide in 2024.
With "The Debut: Dream Academy," Hybe redefines the trajectory of global music by harmonizing diverse talents and transcending boundaries, reiterating their commitment to cultivating brilliance on the world stage.
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