What is ‘The Debut: Dream Academy,’ HYBE Corp and Geffen’s global collaboration as 20 finalists are announced?

20 individuals from across the world have earned their place as finalists for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy,’ a cross-global collaboration between K-Pop giant HYBE Corporation and US music titan Geffen. The call for entrants took place back in November 2021, but both companies have now revealed who will go on to appear in a Netflix series based on the final formation of the group.

‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ was created to form a diverse and talented international girl group based on K-pop methodology - a point of contention given some netizens' thoughts on Black Swan. Over 120,000 people applied, leaving it now up to fans to make their selections by voting for their favourites on platforms like Weverse and TikTok.

The auditions of the 20 finalists will be available for fans to follow on YouTube and ABEMA (a Japanese streaming platform) starting from September 1 2023 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT, with that number whittled down to a final 12 for the Netflix series, directed by Nadia Hallgren, providing insight into the journey to global stardom, training, and development program.

“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, HYBE Corp Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk explains. “When I met [Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO] John [Janick], 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."

Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick felt very much the same way as Si-Hyuk, revealing to Billboard “Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity. To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-pop methodology, and our Geffen team is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its-kind experience in music.”

Who are the finalists of 'The Debut: Dream Academy'?

Without further ado, the 20 idols that will be part of "The Debut: Dream Academy" audition process:

• Adela (19, Slovakia)
• Brooklyn (17, USA)
• Celeste (19, Argentina)
• Daniela (19, USA)
• Emily (17, USA)
• Ezrela (20, Australia)
• Hinari (14, Japan)
• Iliya (21, Belarus)
• Karlee (19, USA)
• Lara (17, USA)
• Lexie (19, Sweden)
• Manon (21, Switzerland)
• Marquise (17, Thailand)
• Mei (17, Japan)
• Megan (17, USA)
• Nayoung (21, South Korea)
• Samara (17, Brazil)
• Sophia (20, Phillippines)
• Ua (15, Japan)
• Yoonchae (15, South Korea)

What name will the winners perform under?

The name of the group, once all 12 have been confirmed as members of the group, will be revealed on November 17 2023 - 12 weeks after the audition and fan voting have been completed.

When will “The Debut: Dream Academy” stream on Netflix?

No official release date has yet been announced for the Netflix series, but Billboard is reporting a 2024 release date for the show