HYBE and Geffen Records Launch 'World Scout: The Final Piece' to Form KATSEYE's Sister Group

HYBE and Geffen Records have officially kicked off the search for a new global girl group with the premiere of 'World Scout: The Final Piece,' a survival audition show that debuted on February 24 on the Japanese streaming platform ABEMA. The show aims to form a four-member sister group to KATSEYE, the six-member act that emerged from the original Dream Academy audition series.

A New Chapter in the HYBE-Geffen Partnership

The ambitious joint venture between South Korea's HYBE and American label Geffen Records continues to push the boundaries of global pop music. Following KATSEYE's successful debut in 2024, which proved that international audition formats could produce commercially viable K-pop-adjacent acts, the two companies are doubling down on the model with a fresh project.

Three of the four members have already been confirmed for the upcoming group. Emily Kelavos, Lexi Levin, and Samara Siqueira were selected through earlier rounds of the audition process, bringing a diverse mix of nationalities and talents to the table. The show will document the search for the final member who will complete the quartet's lineup.

Building on Dream Academy's Legacy

The original Dream Academy, which aired in 2023, attracted millions of viewers worldwide and ultimately led to the formation of KATSEYE. The group has since released several singles and built a dedicated fanbase spanning multiple continents. By launching a sister group through a similar format, HYBE and Geffen are leveraging the proven appeal of audition-based group formation while tapping into audiences who followed the original show.

'World Scout: The Final Piece' is expected to run for multiple episodes on ABEMA, with international distribution details yet to be announced. The show will feature various performance challenges and evaluations as candidates compete for the coveted final spot in the group.

Global Ambitions

The decision to premiere on ABEMA signals a strategic focus on the Japanese market, which has historically been one of the largest consumers of K-pop content. However, the multinational composition of the confirmed members suggests that the group is being positioned for a truly global audience, much like its predecessor KATSEYE.

Industry analysts note that the HYBE-Geffen partnership represents one of the most significant East-West collaborations in pop music history. While HYBE brings its expertise in artist development and the K-pop training system, Geffen contributes its deep roots in the Western music industry and extensive distribution network. The upcoming group is expected to debut later in 2026, with further details about its musical direction and concept to be revealed as the show progresses.