Tag: HYBE

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HYBE’s ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Eliminates 4 More Contestants

'The Debut: Dream Academy' announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

The competition is indeed getting tougher! As The Debut: Dream Academy eliminates four more contestants after its second mission. Now, only the remaining 14 aspirants will advance to the third and last mission.

For the Mission 2 of the survival show, the 18 contestants were divided into four teams and they were tasked to perform a song by the K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM. Two groups sang and danced to “ANTIFRAGILE,” while the other two groups performed “FEARLESS.”

Interestingly, the participants even had a surprise visit from the LE SSERAFIM members themselves in the middle of their rehearsals. Moreover, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk also talked to the contestants briefly. 

After casting the global votes, the final rankings for the said mission was unveiled. There, it was announced that Brooklyn and Karlee from the USA, Mei from Japan, and Iliya from Belarus have been axed from the series.

Following the eliminations, the remaining 14 contestants are left to continue their dreams of being an idol. Once the third and last mission ends, only 10 girls will perform at the show’s live finale which will be held on November 17. 

More about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

Created by South Korean entertainment company HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, The Debut: Dream Academy aims to create the next global girl group. The audition program combed through 120,000 applications and selected 20 girls from different countries to participate in the show.

In its pilot episode aired last September 1, it was announced that the 20 participants will undergo three survival missions before clinching a spot in the live finale. There, the official group name and the final debuting lineup will be revealed.

According to the executives of HYBE and Geffen Records, the first song for the girl group will be in English to showcase their global prowess.

 

Apart from their debut track, a Netflix documentary series about the group’s journey is also slated for 2024. Said docuseries will be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, and is jointly produced by HYBE, Interscope Films, and Boardwalk Pictures.

As HYBE is known to be home to K-pop powerhouse acts BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more, fans have set high expectations for the upcoming girl group.

With the live finale just around the corner, fans can continue rooting for their favorites by casting votes in the fandom platform Weverse.

Featured image: ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

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Aju Nice! SEVENTEEN Surpasses 10 Million Album Sales for 2023 in Just 9 Months

SEVENTEEN shares behind-the-scenes photo from their 'FML' album. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN continues to dominate the industry by setting records after records. With the last quarter of 2023 still to come, the group has achieved another milestone in their career.

In the data released by the group’s agency Pledis Entertainment on Thursday, October 5, it was revealed that the “Super” hitmakers have sold an unprecedented record of 11,043, 625 physical albums, from January to September of 2023 alone.

A huge contributor to this massive number is the group’s 10th Mini Album FML, released in April. For that album, SEVENTEEN broke the group’s personal record for the most pre-ordered album, having sold a whopping 4.64 million pre-orders. 

Two months after its release, Circle Charts revealed that FML is now the highest-selling Korean album of all time, surpassing 6 million copies in sales.

Moreover, the boy group’s 4th full-length album Face The Sun released in May 2022 sold more than 950,000 copies. 

Meanwhile, Second Wind by SEVENTEEN’s subunit BSS also contributed to the total sales. Consisting of members Seungkwan, Dokyeom, and Hoshi, BSS topped local and international charts with the release of their title track “Fighting”, featuring rapper Lee Young Ji.

Notably, SEVENTEEN’s decision to re-release eight of their out-of-print albums also helped in boosting sales. Among the albums they re-released include: 17CARAT, BOYS BE, A1, and TEEN, AGE. 

Prior to this achievement, SEVENTEEN’s cumulative album sales in South Korea exceeded 10 million in November 2021. Which means that the group achieved the feat six and a half years after their debut in 2015. 

Undoubtedly, the group’s popularity continued to grow exponentially thanks to their unrivaled discography and world-class performances. With the impressive 10 Million album sales in just nine months, SEVENTEEN has now become the first Korean artist in history to achieve this feat.

More to come from SEVENTEEN

After the previous album’s success, the “theater kids of K-pop” are soon getting back on track with their 11th mini album. Titled Seventeenth Heaven,  the group is set to celebrate their wins so far with the fandom CARATs, through a festival-like concept.

As part of the promotions, the 13-member group will hold the offline event “Seventeen Street in Seongsu-dong.” The will consist of exhibition experiences, art walls, and collaboration stores. As for the album, it will officially be released on October 23.

Apart from music, the group also proved their entertainment skills through a number of variety shows. As of writing, Seungkwan stars in the Netflix survival show The Devil’s Plan. Meanwhile, Jeonghan and Dino are part of the travel program Magic Lamp. 

Additionally, SEVENTEEN has also finished shooting Nana’s Tour, the group’s version of Youth Over Flowers with PD Na Yeong Seok. Details about the show’s release are yet to be announced.

Featured image: SEVENTEEN shares behind-the-scenes photo from their ‘FML’ album. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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Watch: LE SSERAFIM Bonds With ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Contestants

'The Dream: Debut Academy' contestants pose with LE SSERAFIM and Bang Si Hyuk. Credit: YouTube/HYBE Labels

While it’s only been a year since LE SSERAFIM’s debut, the quintet already proved that they are ready to be seniors of the next HYBE girl group formed through the reality series The  Debut: Dream Academy.

On Monday, October 2, the survival competition unveiled its latest episode, featuring the surprise visit of LE SSERAFIM.

At the start of the video, Chaewon, Yunjin, Sakura, Kazuha, and Eunchae appeared as undercover staff while the trainees filmed Tiktok content. After a few minutes, the trainees could not hide their astonishment upon seeing the idols reveal their faces. The girls were also surprised that Yunjin knew all of their names.

For the episode’s mission, the trainees were tasked to cover two of the girl group’s songs. Composed of four to five trainees each, two groups performed “ANTIFRAGILE” in front of the original singers. 

“Thank you for working on it so hard. I could feel the powerful energy,” Chaewon remarked. “Everyone’s facial expression was great. It was amazing,” the leader added.

Next, two more groups showcased their “FEARLESS” performances. “I could clearly see what moves you were showing,” Eunchae commented. Kazuha added that the contestants were able to show their charms, too.

LE SSERAFIM’s warm advice for the dreamers

After the performances, LE SSERAFIM and the trainees sat down for a little chit chat.

First, trainee Sophia voiced out her worries about maintaining friendship with the other trainees, despite knowing that not all of them are making it to the final debut lineup. Yunjin then advised them to do their best individually and still continue rooting for each other. “I think goodbyes are unfortunately inevitable but I think that is a part of growing,” she said.

On the other hand, one contestant asked how Kazuha is able to look good while dancing on stage. Kazuha then answered, “I think the most important thing is to enjoy the stage.” Additionally, the singer also advised them to expand their horizons by experiencing different genres of dance instead of focusing on just one.

Another contestant mentioned that she was experiencing a language barrier and wondered how the Japanese members Sakura and Kazuha overcame it. In response, Sakura said that language is not a big problem if the members have a connection with each other.

Bang PD visits ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ too

Just while the girls were having a serious conversation, the trainees were caught off guard with another surprise visit from the HYBE Chairman himself, Bang Si Hyuk.

Bang PD first asked about the trainees’ trip to South Korea. Then, the trainees said that they enjoyed the Korean food and that they wished to visit Lotte World, which the producer generously granted.

Later on, trainee Karlee asked the producer about the most important thing to remember for aspiring artists. To which Bang PD provided a heartwarming answer.

“Before you become an artist, you should know what you really want to be,” he said. “From my perspective, you should love music itself, performing on stage, and making the fans happy.”

Ending on a good note, the trainees took a group photo with the LE SERRAFIM members and Bang PD. 

Featured image: ‘The Dream: Debut Academy’ contestants pose with LE SSERAFIM and Bang Si Hyuk. Credit: YouTube/HYBE Labels

 

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RM Confirms BTS Contract Renewal With BIGHIT MUSIC

It’s official: all seven members of BTS have renewed their contracts with BIGHIT Music. Several news outlets were quick to print the news but ARMYs had a more reliable source. RM announced the BTS contract renewal on his official social media accounts and it further confirmed the group’s love for their fans.

RM Confirms BTS Contract Renewal on Instagram

In a surprising turn of events, all seven members of the globally renowned K-Pop sensation, BTS, have officially renewed their exclusive artist contracts with BIGHIT MUSIC, as reported on September 20, KST. This announcement has come as a pleasant shock to devoted ARMYs, as the group’s previous contract was still in effect. However, the BTS members have a history of opting for early renewals, highlighting their commitment to their future together.

In a heartwarming gesture, RM, the group’s leader, took the initiative to share the news directly with ARMYs. He posted a photo of the contract document on his Instagram, followed by another story dedicated to their devoted fanbase. RM’s actions not only revealed the unexpected contract renewal but also provided ARMYs with the assurance they may not have even realized they needed.

BTS initially signed their first contract with BIGHIT in 2013, which was set to last until 2020. Remarkably, in 2018, they chose to renew their contract well ahead of its expiration date, showcasing their strong bond and determination to continue their remarkable journey. Their second contract, originally set to conclude in 2025, coinciding with the year when all BTS members are expected to complete their mandatory military service, has been extended by two years, ensuring their continued presence as a group.

This announcement has brought immense joy and relief to fans, as it guarantees the group’s unity and the highly anticipated reunion expected in 2025. The early renewal reaffirms the enduring commitment and enduring bond shared by BTS and their dedicated supporters worldwide.

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SM Entertainment Artists to Have Own Channels on HYBE’s Weverse

SM Entertainment artists during the SMTOWN 2022 concert in Japan. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

It’s official: SM Entertainment artists are moving to HYBE-owned fan community platform Weverse. 

On Tuesday, September 5, Weverse announced that 13 SM Entertainment acts will launch their respective channels on their platform. Their respective channels will simultaneously open on September 12, 2pm KST. 

These artists include Kangta, BoA, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and EXO. Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE will also join the platform. 

“Everything from dedicated communities to official membership! Get connected with SM ARTISTS on Weverse,” they captioned the post. 

From Kwangya Club to Weverse

SM Entertainment first announced their plans of moving to the fan community app by HYBE in April. “Through the coexistence of our private messenger bubble and the fandom platform Weverse, we are materializing the fan-centered ‘SM 3.0,” the agency said then. 

At the time, SM Entertainment artists were using the private messenger service DearU bubble and Kwangya Club. However, Kwangya Club, which was launched in June 2022, will be closed by September 11. 

 

With this move , SM Entertainment artists are expected to have easier communication with their fans. This is because the platform is known for its community service and livestream options. Moreover, official merchandise of the agency will now be available through the Weverse Shop. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment assured supporters that all fan club memberships purchased from Kwangya Club will also be automatically transferred to their respective Weverse accounts. 

In a press release, Weverse company CEO Choi Joon Won said: “We welcome artists of SM Entertainment, who are loved by fans around the world, to Weverse,”

Although artists signed to companies under HYBE’s multi-label system were the first to trythe app, more K-pop acts have since moved to the platform. In fact, YG Entertainment acts like BLACKPINK, WINNER, and TREASURE are also using the HYBE-owned app.

Featured image: SM Entertainment artists during the SMTOWN 2022 concert in Japan. Credit: Facebook/SMTOWN

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Meet I’ll-It: Hybe’s Girl Group From ‘R U Next?’

The I'LL-IT members pose together after the finale of 'R U NEXT?' Credit: Twitter/I'LL-IT

Watch out for I’LL-IT! JBTC’s reality survival show R U Next? aired its final episode on Friday, September 1, and viewers are introduced to the members of HYBE’s upcoming girl group. 

For those unfamiliar, R U Next? began with 22 female trainees who were assessed through seven rounds. The mentors and judges evaluated the participants as they go through different vocal and dancing missions.

The top six contestants who have earned their spot for the official debut lineup were announced during the final episode.

 

SNSD’s Sooyoung, the show’s MC, revealed Wonhee and Youngseo as the first two members of the group. The two placed first and second in the global vote rankings, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the four other members who were chosen by the agency and judges were Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah.

 

In the finale episode, it was revealed that the six will then debut under the group I’LL-IT, which is a combination of the English words “I will” and “it.”

Netizens’ react on the final lineup 

While the debuting members received congratulatory messages from their fans, a lot of Korean netizens and international viewers have expressed their frustration regarding the show.

https://twitter.com/ilitgirls/status/1697610316287287673

 

Viewers heavily criticized the sudden changes in R U Next?’s voting process as the final episode generally disregarded international votes and relied more on label picks. 

 

Many were also disappointed that the ace-considered participants did not make it to the cut.

https://twitter.com/runextlovre/status/1697603923933274542

 

Next, netizens also raised their suspicions as to the group’s promotional activities. Just a day after the final lineup was announced, Vogue Korea already featured the debuting members, making viewers think the group was pre-selected.

https://twitter.com/rinswurld/status/1697995130668466546

 

What’s next for I’LL-IT

BE:LIFT LAB, a former joint venture between CJ ENM and HYBE Corporation, will manage I’LL IT. The agency is also home to the multinational boy group ENHYPEN, who were formed through the 2020 survival show I-Land

In early August, it was revealed that HYBE has gained full ownership of BE:LIFT LAB.

After the show’s finale, I’LL-IT immediately launched their official social media accounts. 

 

Fans can now catch the group’s latest announcements through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, and Weverse channels. Additionally, the group will have two X (former Twitter) accounts – one for group activities and another for members’ updates. 

 

I’LL-IT members have also penned messages for their fans. Most of them also recall their journey in R U NEXT? and how they feel to be part of the final lineup. 

 

BE:LIFT LAB has yet to announce details about I’LL-IT’s debut as of writing. 

Meanwhile, in other news, HYBE has also launched another survival reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. This time, in partnership with Geffen Records, they’re aiming for a global girl group.

Featured image: The I’LL-IT members pose together after the finale of ‘R U NEXT?’ Credit: Twitter/I’LL-IT

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Meet the 20 Contestants in Hybe X Geffen Records’ ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

K-pop entertainment company HYBE Labels partnered with Universal Music Group subsidiary Geffen Records to create a global girl group through The Debut: Dream Academy show. 

On Tuesday, August 29, the agency revealed the 20 candidates from all over the world who will be competing in the upcoming reality program. 

 

What we know about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

These 20 candidates were chosen from over 120,000 applicants from 13 cities across the globe. Also, these young women are aged between 14 to 21. 

Moreover, these candidates come from South Korea, Japan, United States, Australia, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Belarus, Sweden, and Slovakia. 

 

HYBE has also been releasing individual photos and profiles of the participants. As well as feature films showing the whole group. 

 

The audition program will air on Youtube and the Japanese streaming platform Abema starting on September 1. Over the course of 12-weeks, these 20 participants will undergo a series of survival missions.

Interestingly, fans can also help determine which of the candidates will make it to the US-based international group through online voting. 

 

The finale will air live on November 17, wherein they will announce the final lineup and the girl group’s name. 

Aside from the audition program, a Netflix docuseries chronicling the creation of this upcoming global girl group will also be in the works. It will be helmed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren. And it is expected to be released sometime in 2024. 

HYBE goes global 

The entertainment company behind K-pop superstar BTS teamed up with the US label back in November 2021. 

“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk told the press. 

For his part, Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick also shared that they’re looking forward to this venture.  “Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world,” he added. 

Aside from The Debut: Dream Academy, one of the subsidiaries of HYBE Label is also holding a survival program for a girl group. Titled R U Next, the winning participants from the program will debut under BELIFT LAB. 

Moreover, several HYBE Label subsidiaries are holding global online auditions. 

BIGHIT Music’s audition program is only open to male applicants born between 2005 and 2013. It will close on September 22. Meanwhile, auditions for KOZ Entertainment will run until November 18. Only individuals born after 2006 can apply. 

Next is the most recently announced audition for PLEDIS Entertainment. Only individuals born after 2005 can audition, and it will run only until September 17.

Featured image: HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy.’ Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

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Look: Pledis Entertainment Launches ‘Wonder Teens’ Global Audition

SEVENTEEN releases special video for 'April Shower.' Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

PLEDIS Entertainment, home to K-pop groups SEVENTEEN and fromis_9, is on the lookout for their next idol superstars!

On Friday, August 25, the agency announced that they’re launching their Wonder Teens global audition. 

Only individuals born after 2005 can audition. However, it is open to any gender and nationality. 

 

Additionally, those who plan to audition can apply in four categories: vocal, rap, dance, and “confidence.” According to their website, the confidence category is open to anyone who can “showcase their talent and ability.” 

“Based on the creativity and know-how to make dreams of performing at a global stage a reality, we are looking for the stars of the future,” PLEDIS Entertainment said in a press release.

The online auditions will run until September 17. Aspiring idols need to send their entries and fill the form through PLEDIS Entertainment’s website. 

Those who will pass the first round of auditions will be notified of the results within two weeks. Then, they’ll have to go through a second set of auditions, which will be conducted in person or through a live call. 

Moreover, this isn’t the first time that PLEDIS Entertainment opened their Wonder Teens global audition. In 2022, the agency held online auditions from March 18 to April 17 for individuals born after 2003. 

Reportedly, successful applicants from the audition will be accepted as trainees under PLEDIS Entertainment and will be awarded a scholarship. 

Back then, it was also reported that the agency is set to debut a new group in 2023. However, the agency has yet to confirm this. 

 HYBE’s new set of idols

Currently, PLEDIS Entertainment only have SEVENTEEN and fromis_9 as the active groups under their roster. 

However, the agency was also home to After School, NU’EST, and PRISTIN. PRISTIN disbanded in May 2019, while NU’EST disbanded in March 2022.

Although NU’EST has disbanded, members Hwang Min-hyun and Baekho stayed with Pledis Entertainment and pursued solo careers. 

 

Interestingly, PLEDIS Entertainment is also a subsidiary label of HYBE. Other record labels under HYBE include BIGHIT Music, ADOR, Source Music, and KOZ Entertainment. Recently, HYBE also acquired BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency. 

Aside from PLEDIS Entertainment, BIGHIT Music and KOZ Entertainment have also launched their online auditions. 

BIGHIT Music’s audition program is only open to male applicants born between 2005 and 2013. It will close on September 22. Meanwhile, auditions for KOZ Entertainment will run until November 18. Only individuals born after 2006 can apply. 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN releases special video for ‘April Shower.’ Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Koz Entertainment Launches Global Audition Tour

BOYNEXTDOOR during their Music Broadcast special stage. Credit: Facebook/BOYNEXTDOOR

KOZ Entertainment, the subsidiary agency under HYBE Labels founded by rapper Zico, is on the lookout for more aspiring idols! 

The label has launched its 2023 KOZ Global Audition titled “You Become What You Believe.” 

 

Only individuals born after 2006, regardless of gender or nationality, are eligible to apply. 

Additionally, those interested in audition should showcase their talents in either dance, vocal, rap, songwriting, or playing a musical instrument. 

Moreover, all applications should complete the mandatory online registration that can be found on KOZ Entertainment’s website. 

After the online applications, only those who pass the initial screening will be able to attend the on-site global audition on the specified dates. 

The audition tour will span over 20 cities. The list includes Seoul, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Okinawa, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. 

Auditions are set to run until November 18. 

HYBE’s growing number of artists 

KOZ Entertainment is home to rookie boy group BOYNEXTDOOR. The six-piece act, who made their debut on May 30, will release their first mini-album Why on September 4. 

Aside from KOZ Entertainment, BIGHIT Music is also holding an online global audition. Said agency is home to groups BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT). 

Moreover, BIGHIT MUSIC is one of the many record labels housed under HYBE. Recently, HYBE acquired BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency. 

Featured image: BOYNEXTDOOR during their Music Broadcast special stage. Credit: Facebook/BOYNEXTDOOR

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Look: Bighit Music Opens Global Auditions

K-pop groups BTS and TXT are under BIGHIT Music. Credit: Twitter/BIGHIT Music Audition

Dreaming of becoming labelmates with K-pop powerhouses BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)? Well, this might be your chance! 

BIGHIT MUSIC announced on Friday, August 11, that they are opening global auditions for their next boy group. 

The auditions are open to male candidates of any nationality born from 2005 and after. 

Additionally, interested applicants can choose to audition among several categories: vocal, rap, dancing, acting, modeling, and producing. 

Applications are open from August 11 to September 22 via the Big Hit Audition website. 

Previously in February to April 2023, BIGHIT MUSIC also held an audition for aspiring idols. Only male applicants born between 2005 and 2013 were eligible. 

During this set of auditions, the label also held in-person auditions in Korea and Japan aside from the online ones. 

 

 

Besides these series of global auditions, BIGHIT MUSIC remains mum about their next act. Their latest group to debut was TXT in 2019. Before that was BTS, who debuted in 2013. 

Moreover, BIGHIT MUSIC is one of the many record labels housed under HYBE. Recently, HYBE acquired BELIFT LAB, ENHYPEN’s agency. 

Featured image: K-pop groups BTS and TXT are under BIGHIT Music. Credit: Twitter/BIGHIT Music Audition

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