Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s “K-pop Methodology” is set to bring a second global girl group to life. 


An audition program designed to find just one final member is drawing major attention. This is the story of “World Scout: The Final Piece” — the last puzzle piece in HYBE and Geffen Records’ ambitious project to globalize the K-pop production system and complete a new four-member girl group that will join KATSEYE in commanding the global stage.



The outline is already clear. Three members from Dream Academy, the program that produced KATSEYE, have been confirmed: Emily Kelavos (USA), Lexie Levin (Sweden), and Samara Siqueira (Brazil). The final member will be chosen through a separate competition and join the debut lineup. This process will be broadcast exclusively on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA next spring.



Holding such a massive global audition just to select one member is extremely rare in both girl group and boy group projects. According to HYBE and Geffen Records on the 11th, tens of thousands of applicants have already entered. With members confirmed from North America (Emily Kelavos), Europe (Lexie Levin), and South America (Samara Siqueira), the competition for the remaining spot among applicants from Asian countries and regions is expected to be especially fierce.



HYBE’s bold ambitions are evident in the preparation of KATSEYE’s sister group. Positioned as both an extension of the globalization of the K-pop production system and a representation of diversity and inclusivity, this two-pronged system of “next-generation pop icons” is anticipated. It could serve as a catalyst for shifting the global music market, currently dominated by the “Big Three” — Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.



Industry insiders are closely watching the expansion of Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s “K-pop Methodology.” At its core lies HYBE’s unique infrastructure: discovering highly promising talents, nurturing them into complete artists through training that encompasses vocals, dance, and character development, and providing an organically connected system where fandoms can grow within their own communities.




Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun