If the United States has KATSEYE and Japan has &TEAM, Mexico has SANTOS BRAVOS. These are HYBE's overseas localized groups debuting and taking off onto the world stage through the so-called "K-pop methodology."
The achievements of the two teams that debuted earlier are already dazzling. KATSEYE swept major global charts including the U.S. Billboard and was nominated in two categories at the 68th Grammy Awards, and &TEAM became a million-seller in both Korea and Japan.
The five-member boy group SANTOS BRAVOS (Dru, Alejandro, Kaue, Gabee, Kenes), born through a reality series that aired from Aug. to Oct., has just taken its first steps. Their start is remarkable. SANTOS BRAVOS decorated their debut stage with a 10,000-seat concert, and the tickets for that show sold out.
SANTOS BRAVOS is called an "idol type," different in tone from Musza, the winning team of HYBE Latin America's other band audition program "Pase a la Fama." They do not lack in vocals, performance, or visuals.
Those with Latin's characteristic optimistic energy, sensibility and passionate intensity are being praised for creating original and fresh music when combined with the K-pop production system. With HYBE's global DNA also grafted in, expectations are raised for their leap to become a new "global super rookie."
The following is a Q&A with SANTOS BRAVOS.
Q. At the moment of debut, what was the first emotion you felt?
Alejandro: I felt so grateful. Even before this dream came true, I thought of my family and everyone who believed in me.
Gabee: I couldn't hide my excitement, as if electricity was running through me. I just wanted to get on stage quickly.
Kaue: I was nervous, but it felt good. I felt a responsibility to represent something bigger and more important than myself.
Dru: Honestly, relief was the strongest feeling. We all worked so hard for this one dream, and finally everything was complete.
Kenes: I was proud that it wasn't just me but us as a group standing together, and that we would write a new chapter in Latin music.
Q. The "SANTOS BRAVOS" series was not just a competition but a process of growth. In that journey, what do you feel changed the most about yourself?
Alejandro: I gained confidence. Before, I doubted myself every time I went on stage, but I learned not to do that.
Gabee: I learned how to keep discipline. A systematic schedule pushed me beyond my own limits.
Kaue: I realized that I am both fragile and strong at the same time.
Dru: I realized I have leadership. I learned that leadership isn't just who has the loudest voice, but the ability to distinguish when to support from behind and when to step forward.
Kenes: I became someone who listens to and accepts others' opinions better. My ear for music opened, and I also became more receptive to the coaches' and our members' stories.
Q. You debuted after fierce competition. Is there a moment that stands out particularly in your memory?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We are like brothers. Since we shared both hard and happy moments, it's hard to pick just one moment. Still, the nights we stayed up rehearsing until sunrise are probably something we'll never forget. We encouraged and pulled each other along. Seeing the members beside me on stage makes me feel I'm not alone.
Q. How much did you know about K-pop before joining "SANTOS BRAVOS"?
SANTOS BRAVOS: Debuting under HYBE Latin America felt like an unreal dream. We had always admired the high level of K-pop performance, and we could never imagine that we could be part of that as a Latin group.
Q. You experienced meticulous and systematic K-pop training firsthand. Compared with the practice process you had before, what differences and advantages do you think there are?
SANTOS BRAVOS: Not missing even the smallest details. Every gesture and glance has meaning. K-pop training is characterized by practicing not until it's satisfactory but until it's perfect. Emphasizing teamwork is also a major trait.
Q. Why did you choose HYBE Latin America's audition and what did you hope for?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We couldn't miss the chance to be part of something historic. We wanted to test ourselves at a place with the highest standards. We also believed in HYBE Latin America's vision to bring Latin roots to the global market.
Q. "SANTOS BRAVOS" was created under K-pop grammar but was born in the Latin music market, so it also has characteristics completely different from K-pop. What are SANTOS BRAVOS' distinctive points and strengths that set you apart from existing artists?
SANTOS BRAVOS: While delivering dance and singing that match K-pop's perfection, the stories we want to tell come from Latin tradition. Our diversity is also an important trait. We use multiple languages and consist of members from various cultural backgrounds; we are a group born to connect different worlds.
Q. What color or genre of music do you want SANTOS BRAVOS to present in the future?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We want to present a new fusion of Latin rhythms and global pop sound. We'll make music regardless of genre, from energetic tracks that make you dance to ballads that move the listener's heart. We will create unexpected music that surprises people.
Q. Do you have a role model?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We respect artists like J Balvin, BTS and Rosalía. J Balvin is a musician who successfully introduced Latin music to the global market, BTS is an admirable team that shows influence beyond music through effort and practice, and Rosalía is impressive for reinventing genres and breaking molds.
Q. What goals do you want to achieve?
SANTOS BRAVOS: We want to be pioneering artists who inspire the next generation to dream bigger. Become a cultural bridge connecting Latin America and the world, and look forward to seeing audiences in giant stadiums singing along in Spanish.
Q. What message would you most like to send to the fans who have followed the audition process from the beginning?
SANTOS BRAVOS: The fans' every comment and support made our debut possible. We hope you can be proud of us. This is just the beginning, and we have so much to show, so please continue to stay with us!
[Photo] Provided by HYBE Latin America.
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