HYBE and Geffen Records' second global girl group has taken shape. The team, preparing for a debut next year, consists of four members, three of whom come from the audition program 'The Debut: Dream Academy.'
On the 29th (Korean time), HYBE and Geffen Records unveiled an intro film featuring the new girl group members Emily Kelavos (from the United States), Samara Siqueira (from Brazil), and Lexie Levin (from Sweden) on their official YouTube channel.
The video begins with Lexie in a lovely pink outfit playing music on an LP player. Then, Emily showcases powerful dance moves in a hip training outfit, while Samara relaxes and smiles, riding the groovy rhythm. The members hint at their strengths as a producer and songwriter, a dancer, and a vocalist, respectively.
The impressive sight of the three individuals existing in different spaces yet connected through music is striking. When a record plate inscribed with the word 'PRELUDE,' which means overture or prelude in Korean, arrives to someone, it magically reveals the phrase 'To those who believe it's coming' along with the names of the three members, signaling their musical journey as a team.
Emily, Samara, and Lexie are already receiving much love for their unique charms and outstanding musical talents. Emily, who has been working as a professional dancer since the age of 14, reached the final round during 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' Samara received praise for her soulful and delicate voice, finishing in 7th place in the final competition, while Lexie is a talented individual with songwriting abilities.
One additional member to join them will be selected through the audition program 'WORLD SCOUT THE FINAL PIECE,' which will be exclusively aired on the Japanese OTT service ABEMA in spring 2026. This represents the final piece of HYBE and Geffen Records' second girl group, which is realizing the globalization of K-pop methodology.
The global music fans' reactions have already been explosive. The official Instagram account for the group, named 'prelude_thefinalpiece,' surpassed 160,000 followers in about four days. The intro film uploaded without prior notice recorded over 2.66 million views in just one day on Instagram, rapidly spreading.
The comments are also enthusiastic. Longtime fans who have supported the participants since 'The Debut: Dream Academy' are passionately cheering, saying, 'Emily, Samara, and Lexie are more than qualified to debut.' KATSEYE sent encouragement through the group's official X account, stating, 'We are so proud of you. This is just the beginning of something even more spectacular.'
Attention is on whether HYBE's 'multi-home, multi-genre' strategy will shine once again. KATSEYE, which is currently active, has already achieved remarkable success on global charts, including the U.S. Billboard 'Hot 100' and 'Billboard 200,' as well as the UK Official 'Singles Top 100' and Spotify, all within less than a year of their debut.
Recently, they performed at large-scale festivals such as 'Lollapalooza Chicago' and 'Summer Sonic 2025,' thrilling tens of thousands of audience members, and they will embark on a solo tour with a total of 16 shows across 13 North American cities starting in November. All the tickets have sold out.
[Photo] HYBE, Geffen Records source.
[OSEN]