On Tuesday (Aug 29), music labels Hybe and Geffen Records revealed the 20 contestants who will be competing to be a part of a new global girl group.
The contestants hail from various countries including Slovakia, Argentina, the United States and Japan. The hopefuls will battle it out on a reality show titled The Debut: Dream Academy which will premiere on Sep 1 at 11pm, Singapore time, on YouTube.
According to the show’s Instagram page, The Debut: Dream Academy will have four episodes, with its live finale airing some time in November.
Fans will play a crucial role throughout the entire competition via fan voting on Weverse and TikTok.
At a press event announcing the contestants, Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk 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. When I met John Janick (Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M) from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively.
“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.”