According to information from the organizers, the selection program will be implemented through HYBE India, targeting female contestants, born from 2005 to 2011. The audition round is expected to take place in 10 major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, with a deadline for receiving applications until the end of July 31.
Candidates who pass the selection round will be trained according to the T&D (Training & Development) system - a specialized training process that has contributed to the success of many K-pop artists. This is also considered the core "formula" to help HYBE build global music groups in the past time, including BTS.
The group project in India quickly attracted attention thanks to exploiting the characteristic advantages of the local entertainment industry, often known as Bollywood. In this environment, the singing and dancing elements have naturally integrated into film and stage works, creating a suitable foundation for developing a K-pop-style group model.
Experts believe that this is the next step in the strategy initiated by Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. Previously, the company had made its mark in many international markets through successful localization projects.
Some typical examples include &TEAM - a group that has achieved high positions in Korea and Japan, or the global group KATSEYE, which once attracted attention with the songs "Gnarly", "Gabriela" and received a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammys. In addition, the Latin group SANTOS BRAVOS is also proof of HYBE's direction of market diversification.
Expanding to India - a country with a young population and a rapidly growing entertainment market - is expected to create a new "wave". If successful, this project will not only help HYBE consolidate its global position but may also open a new chapter for the intersection between K-pop and Indian popular culture.
