“Most audition programs usually depict the process of forming an entire team, but this time, they are searching for just one final member. Because of that, the contestants constantly face a dilemma: whether to build friendships and support one another, or focus solely on protecting themselves. It’s the first time I’ve seen an audition where solidarity and competition coexist in this way, and the level of immersion is incredible.”
HYBE–Geffen Records (hereafter HxG)’s second global audition program, 'World Scout: The Final Piece', will premiere on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on February 24th KST. Ahead of the broadcast, Sakura and Kazuha of LE SSERAFIM, Moka and Iroha of ILLIT, and former AKB48 producer Rino Sashihara highlighted key points to watch. The five participated as studio panelists and observed the contestants’ growth firsthand.
Sakura and Iroha shared, “World Scout: The Final Piece is unique and special because it searches for the ‘final piece’ of a team that already has three confirmed members.” They added, “It was especially striking to see contestants who grew closer through various missions gradually confront each other as competitors as the final evaluation approached. We hope viewers will support their journey and growth.”
Rino Sashihara commented, “Above all, the contestants’ journey in pursuit of their dreams was so intense that the word ‘extreme’ feels fitting. Honestly, there were many heartbreaking moments that made me want to ask the creators, ‘Are you really going to go through with this project?’ But perhaps it was precisely because of that harshness that I came to care even more deeply for every participant.”
'World Scout: The Final Piece' is a project to complete HxG’s new four member girl group, set to debut in the second half of this year. Approximately 14,000 applicants competed for the final spot alongside Emily Kelavos, Lexie Levin, and Samara Siqueira, who first gained attention through the audition program 'The Debut: Dream Academy' and later debuted as KATSEYE.
The judging panel is equally formidable. HxG’s chief creator Son Sung Deuk, widely known as the former performance director for BTS, returns to lead the project. Producer Slow Rabbit, who has worked with numerous HYBE artists including TOMORROW X TOGETHER and ENHYPEN, oversees the music. They are joined by HxG CEO Mitra Darab, executive creative producer Jung Hyun Ahn, and choreographer NOSUKE.
Kazuha said, “The judges’ standards were extremely high, and even I felt nervous watching the contestants perform. I was reminded once again that to succeed on the global stage, it’s not enough to simply enjoy performing — you must have the power to truly captivate the audience.”
Moka added, “I usually avoid watching audition programs because they can be emotionally overwhelming, but observing the contestants deeply moved me. Instead, I found myself gaining courage and strength from them.” She continued, “The ability to make audiences happy transcends borders. You’ll be able to see those kinds of talented individuals on World Scout: The Final Piece.”
SEE ALSO: ILLIT’s 'Magnetic' surpasses 300 million streams on Oricon
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