The second global girl group from HYBE and Geffen Records, following group KATSEYE, has entered the final countdown. Out of some 14,000 applicants, only two candidates who survived fierce competition will face off on the decisive final stage on the 12th.
In episode 11 of HYBE-Geffen Records' audition program World Scout: The Final Piece, broadcast on the 5th, Japanese contestants Ayana (18) and Sakura (15) were named the final two candidates, capturing viewers' attention.
Mitra Darab, CEO of HYBE-Geffen Records (HxG), described Ayana as the most consistent and confident contestant, and Son Seong-deuk, HxG's chief creator, said she already has skills that compare favorably with confirmed debut lineups. He added that if she adds her own charm, she could become the ultimate "Final Piece." Sakura, who drew attention for her rapid growth, also earned praise as showing growth that exceeded expectations and imagination (Son Seong-deuk), proving her star quality.
The two will now focus entirely on preparing for the final, to be held at the historic Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, U.S. Ayana will perform the new song "WE RIDE," and Sakura will perform "PARTY b4 the PARTY." Notably, this stage will proceed as a team with Emily (U.S.), Lexi (Sweden) and Samara (Brazil), whose debuts have already been confirmed, so the key point of interest will be how perfectly they show chemistry as the "final puzzle" of the team.
Chief creator Son Seong-deuk said the final judging standard is to see how much synergy and audience captivation a group of four can produce, as a team rather than individuals, on a stage that is no different from a real performance.
At the end of the broadcast, the sight of Ayana and Sakura encouraging each other as they looked at the sunset delivered a moving moment. Although they are rivals competing for the last spot, their heartfelt friendship as colleagues who have run toward the same dream made the growth narrative portrayed by "World Scout" shine even brighter.
Meanwhile, World Scout: The Final Piece has enjoyed strong global fan support, maintaining the No. 1 spot on Japan's ABEMA K-pop program ranking since its first broadcast in February.
[Photo] ABEMA
[OSEN]