HYBE Seeks Members for New Boy Group in the U.S.

HYBE is on the lookout for members to debut a new boy group in the United States, enlisting the expertise of music industry giants like Bang Si-hyuk, Scooter Braun, and Ryan Tedder. On February 21, HYBE announced that Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman, and Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, have recently partnered with Ryan Tedder to kick off this new boy group production project.

As part of this initiative, auditions have officially opened on the audition website (hybeamerica-audition.com). Interested participants aged between 13 and 23 can submit their applications, which should include a profile photo, a self-introduction, and videos showcasing their vocal and dance skills.

The K-pop methodology of Bang Si-hyuk, who has successfully launched numerous global top artists including the 21st-century pop icons BTS (방탄소년단), is set to be implemented once again in the U.S. Bang Si-hyuk was recognized by Billboard as one of the 'leaders innovating the music industry' after leading KATSEYE's successful debut in the U.S. last year.

Ryan Tedder, a multi-platinum producer with four Grammy Awards, is known for his collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé, Adele, and Ed Sheeran, showcasing his creative directing skills. He has worked on tracks for HYBE Music Group artists, including 'Back for More' by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (투모로우바이투게더), 'Dropkick' by &TEAM (앤팀), and 'Debut' by KATSEYE.

Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, is famous for managing top pop stars such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, contributing significantly to their growth. He is recognized for his keen eye for talent and his extensive network across the entertainment industry.

The collaboration between HYBE's expertise in artist discovery and training, K-pop infrastructure development, and global fandom cultivation, alongside Ryan Tedder's status as a 'veteran elite' in the global music market, is generating significant interest.

Bang Si-hyuk stated, "HYBE Music Group artists consistently achieve global success, dominating major charts every year. The success of KATSEYE has proven that the K-pop methodology can thrive in the mainstream U.S. market. Launching a new boy group in collaboration with Ryan Tedder is a step forward in continuing our legacy in the music industry."

Ryan Tedder expressed his excitement about participating in this new and intriguing project, stating, "We aim to create the most fan-centric group with the best music available today."

Meanwhile, KATSEYE, born from the collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, made waves with their debut EP 'SIS (Soft Is Strong)' released last August, entering the Billboard 200 chart at number 119 and quickly rising as a 'rising star.' One of their double title tracks, 'Touch,' surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify just 82 days after its release, marking a significant achievement.