How Hybe and Geffen Records Used K-pop Methodology to Build a Global Girl Group
In short: Dream Academy was an ambitious talent competition that auditioned 120,000 hopefuls to form a new international girl group. Over 12 weeks, 20 contestants navigated rigorous missions, fan voting, and executive scrutiny. The result was Katseye, a six-member ensemble designed to bridge global pop sensibilities with the disciplined K-pop training model.
The project, announced in August 2023, represented a strategic collaboration between Hybe and Geffen Records. According to Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, the goal was to create an international group rooted in K-pop methodology. This involved a grueling selection process that began with global online auditions in November 2021, drawing 120,000 submissions. The final 20 candidates were then subjected to three distinct missions, each testing their artistry through vocal and choreography performances.
The competition relied on a hybrid evaluation system. Fans participated by voting via Weverse and engaging with YouTube fancams, while a panel of executives—including the CEOs of both labels—provided expert commentary. This dual-layer feedback loop determined who survived each round. The pressure was immense; for example, after Mission 2, contestant Lexie Levin chose to withdraw from the competition entirely, which forced a mid-show adjustment to the elimination count.
The finale, held at XR Studios in Los Angeles in November 2023, saw the final 10 contestants perform original tracks. The winning six—Sophia, Lara, Yoonchae, Megan, Daniela, and Manon—formed the group Katseye, which debuted in June 2024. The entire development process was later chronicled in the 2024 Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: Katseye, directed by Nadia Hallgren, offering a rare look at the intense training and development required to launch a modern global act.
The impact of the show extended beyond the winners. Many participants went on to pursue music careers elsewhere. For instance, Nayoung Lee found success on the show Girls on Fire, while Mei Terada debuted with the group Say My Name. Others, like Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira, were later revealed as members of a different Hybe/Geffen project, Saint Satine, demonstrating how the competition served as a massive talent incubator for the industry.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dream Academy
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