In a bold move to expand their global footprint, HYBE and Geffen Records have officially announced a secondary global audition aimed at finalizing the lineup for a highly anticipated four-member girl group.
This new audition program, titled World Scout: The Final Piece, is set to premiere on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on February 24, 2026, at 8 PM local time.
The show will document the intense journey of finding the single “final piece” that will complete the quartet, which is already being groomed for a massive debut on the world stage later this year.
Despite there being only one open position available, the scale of the competition is staggering.
Approximately 14,000 applicants from around the world submitted their materials, all vying for the chance to become a global pop star.
This massive turnout underscores the immense influence of the HYBE brand, which has become a gold standard in the music industry following the unprecedented success of acts like BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans.
Completing the Lineup: Who are the Members?
The winner of World Scout: The Final Piece will join three pre-selected members: Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin.
These three individuals are already familiar faces to many fans, having gained significant recognition through The Debut: Dream Academy, the initial global audition program that successfully produced the group KATSEYE.
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By integrating the new member into a group with such a strong foundation, HYBE and Geffen Records aim to create a synergy that bridges various musical cultures and styles.
The final four-member lineup is expected to focus on a global sound, leveraging the collaborative expertise of HYBE’s meticulous training system and Geffen Records’ deep roots in the international music market.
This partnership represents a continued evolution of the “K-pop methodology” applied to a diverse, multi-national talent pool.
A Star-Studded Panel and Expert Judging
To ensure the highest quality of mentorship and selection, the program features a panel filled with established K-pop royalty and industry experts. Viewers can look forward to appearances by LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, as well as ILLIT’s Iroha and Moka.
Additionally, Sashihara Rino—a former member of the legendary Japanese group AKB48, who has since become a successful producer and actress—will join the show.
These stars will serve as observers and mentors, offering their unique perspectives on the contestants’ growth, stage presence, and the difficult decisions required to succeed in the industry.
The judging will be led by Son Sung Deuk, the Chief Creator at HxG. Son is a legendary figure in the world of performance, best known as the primary choreographer for BTS.
Having overseen all aspects of The Debut: Dream Academy—including planning, music, visuals, and overall production—his involvement guarantees a high level of technical and artistic scrutiny.
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His presence ensures that the final member will not only have vocal talent but the rigorous performance skills necessary to lead a new generation of global artists.
Looking Toward the Future
As the K-pop industry continues to globalize, World Scout: The Final Piece stands as a testament to the new era of music production where boundaries between domestic and international markets are increasingly blurred.
With the group’s debut targeted for within the year, the completion of this lineup is the final hurdle before they begin their official activities.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will fill the empty fourth chair and how this new group will differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape.
With a star-studded mentor cast and the backing of two industry giants, the stakes for this “final piece” have never been higher.
