HYBE Launches Global Girl Group Audition ‘World Scout,’ Premiere Set for February 24

HYBE and Geffen Records are once again turning to a global stage to discover the next generation of girl group talent. The joint label has announced a new audition program, ‘World Scout: The Final Piece,’ which will premiere on February 24 at 8 p.m. JST via Japanese OTT platform ABEMA.

Completing the Next Global Girl Group

The final selected contestant will join Emily Kellabos, Lexie Levin, and Samara Siqueira, who previously gained recognition through HYBE and Geffen’s earlier audition project ‘The Debut: Dream Academy.’ Together, the four members are set to debut as a new global girl group within 2026.

Rather than building a group from scratch, ‘World Scout’ focuses on the last piece of an already-formed lineup, emphasizing fit, chemistry, and readiness for the global stage.

A High-Profile Panel With Cross-Generational Perspective

The program’s studio panel brings together artists and producers with firsthand experience in global K-pop success. LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, ILLIT’s Iroha and Moka, and producer and actress Rino Sashihara, formerly of AKB48, will appear as panelists, observing contestants’ growth and key decision-making moments.

Adding further credibility, Son Sung-deuk, HYBE’s executive creative director and longtime performance director for BTS, will serve as a judge. Son previously oversaw all creative aspects planning, music, visuals, and direction of ‘The Debut: Dream Academy,’ making him a central figure in shaping HYBE’s global audition methodology.

HYBE’s Expanding Global Framework

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk has consistently emphasized developing artists through what the company describes as a proprietary infrastructure combining training systems, global partnerships, and long-term artist development. Industry observers have increasingly pointed to this approach as a model for expanding K-pop’s methodology beyond regional boundaries.

That framework has already shown tangible results. KATSEYE, the girl group formed through ‘The Debut: Dream Academy,’ achieved significant milestones within its first year, entering the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, the UK Official Singles Top 100, and Spotify’s global charts.

Most recently, KATSEYE earned dual nominations at the 68th Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, further validating HYBE’s global strategy.

Looking Ahead

With ‘World Scout: The Final Piece,’ HYBE is not simply launching another survival show, but extending a proven system one focused on precision rather than scale. As the final member is chosen and the group moves closer to debut, attention is now on whether this next project can replicate, or even surpass, the success of its predecessor.