The Debut: Dream Academy - Crafting a Global Girl Group in K-Pop

The Debut: Dream Academy stands as a groundbreaking collaborative survival show between HYBE Entertainment and Geffen Records, endeavoring to create a distinguished global girl group in the vibrant world of K-pop. With its premiere on September 1, 2023, this captivating program introduces 20 talented contestants into the limelight, aiming to captivate audiences through a multifaceted selection process and engaging challenges.

Selection Process and Contestant Dynamics

An astonishing 120,000 applicants displayed their aspirations, with 20 finalists emerging from a pool of talent that saw a staggering 6,000 to 1 competitive selection rate. These talented individuals were meticulously chosen from an overwhelming influx of submissions—around 70,000 applications surfaced within a week of the audition notice.

Broadcast and Voting Platform

The show's broadcast kicks off on September 1, 2023, presenting 12 episodes every Friday at 11 AM EST. The viewers play a significant role through their active participation in the voting process, facilitated on platforms such as Weverse and TikTok, starting September 6th, 2023.

Grand Finale and Distribution

The eagerly awaited live finale on November 17, 2023, promises to unveil the group's name and its esteemed members. For those unable to catch the episodes during the scheduled airtime, all installments of The Debut: Dream Academy will be available on their official YouTube channel and Japan's ABEMA platform.

Mission Structure and Industry Innovation

The show is designed around three pivotal missions scheduled on September 1st, September 22nd, and October 20th, offering a comprehensive view of the contestants' progress and versatility. The unconventional approach of allowing contestants to maintain personal social media accounts, including platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), represents a significant departure from traditional practices in the entertainment industry.

Joint Venture and Industry Impact

The collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, dating back to 2021, has significantly shaped this pioneering endeavor, marking a key moment in the evolution of K-pop entertainment and its global influence.

Through The Debut: Dream Academy, the amalgamation of talent, technology, and innovation showcases a remarkable journey of aspiring performers, promising to create ripples in the landscape of K-pop and beyond.