Sooyoung joins ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shinsekai’ as head SEKAI producer

Sooyoung is set to open a new chapter in global audition programs.

She will join Japan’s large-scale survival audition series ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shinsekai’ as the head SEKAI producer. The fourth installment of PRODUCE 101 JAPAN marks the franchise’s first expansion beyond Japan into a fully global audition format.

For the first time in the series, the show will air simultaneously worldwide and introduce a global voting system. It will stream in Japan via Lemino and internationally — including Korea — through Mnet Plus. Viewers across the globe, alongside national and SEKAI producers, will participate in forming a new global boy group.

Sooyoung brings a unique background to the role. She debuted in Japan in 2002 through the Korea–Japan joint audition program 'ASAYAN', as part of the group Route 0 — becoming the first Korean artist to debut in Japan through such a project. She later rose to global fame as a member of Girls’ Generation, playing a pivotal role in the worldwide spread of K-pop.

In Japan, Girls’ Generation achieved historic milestones for an overseas female act, with albums such as ‘GIRLS’ GENERATION,’ ‘GIRLS & PEACE,’ and ‘LOVE & PEACE’ ranking high on the Oricon charts. Through arena and dome tours, the group amassed a cumulative concert audience of over 810,000 in Japan, underscoring their strong local presence.

Beyond group promotions, Sooyoung has continued her solo career, including an Asia fan meeting tour and the release of her solo album ‘Unstoppable’ on October 30, 2024. She has also built a steady acting career, most recently earning praise for her role in the Genie TV original drama ‘Not Others.’

Through her participation in ‘PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shinsekai’, Sooyoung will guide and observe contestants competing on a global stage, contributing her long-standing industry experience to shape the program’s new vision. As a seasoned global entertainer, attention is focused on how she will influence this next-generation audition project.

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