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BTS’ label Hybe to create new global girl group through Dream Academy project

Through Dream Academy, Hybe and Geffen Records will create and model the group based on the K-pop training and development system.

Zhuo Jia Wen

| August 30, 2023

Hybe Dream Academy — The 20 young female contestants are participating in the Dream Academy project for a spot in forthcoming girl group. Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Hybe x Geffen Records

BTS’ label Hybe is teaming up with Universal Music Group’s subsidiary label Geffen Records to launch a new global girl group. They will do so through a project named Dream Academy.

Yesterday (29 Aug), they revealed through a press event the 20 contestants from around the world who will compete for a spot in the group.

These young women were the ones selected from 120,000 submissions received.

The Debut: Dream Academy

From now on, these 20 aspiring artists will then participate in a world-class audition programme titled The Debut: Dream Academy. Fans can follow the contestants as they embark on it.

The programme will premiere on 1 Sep (Fri) at 8AM PDT (11PM SGT) on YouTube, and ABEMA (Japan).

Later this year, Hybe and Geffen records will reveal the final number of members who make the cut into the final line-up. As well as the name of the group.

Modelling after K-pop training, development

According to a press release, the group is “created and modelled based on the world-renowned K-pop training and development system”. So fans can expect some elements of the group to mirror current K-pop groups.

From the get-go, this includes having a docu-series of their own, like Blackpink, BTS, Super Junior and more.

They will star in an upcoming untitled Netflix documentary series, which documents the years-long process of creating this one-of-a-kind girl group.

On creating the girl group, Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of Hybe said: “I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while. To do this I believed we needed a capable partner”.

He felt instantly “a connection, musically and creatively” after meeting John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M.

“I am very proud of the rich history we have made and the tremendous talent we have found. I am proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-Pop universe,” Bang said.