LE SSERAFIM & ILLIT’s Perspective: HYBE x Geffen Audition

“Unlike typical audition programs that focus on creating a team, this one seeks the final member. Contestants constantly grapple with the dilemma of whether to build friendships and support each other or prioritize self-preservation. The coexistence of solidarity and competition creates a truly immersive audition experience.”

HxG (HYBE x Geffen Records)’s second global audition program, ‘World Scout: The Final Piece’, premiered on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on February 24th at 8 PM. Ahead of the premiere, LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, ILLIT’s Moka and Iroha, and former AKB48 producer Sashihara Rino highlighted key viewing points. They participated as studio panel members, observing the contestants’ growth process firsthand.

Sakura and Iroha commented, “‘World Scout: The Final Piece’ is unique and special in that it searches for the ‘final piece’ of a team that already has three members. It was truly impressive to see the contestants, who grew close through various missions, face each other as rivals as the final evaluation approached. We hope viewers will support the contestants’ struggles and growth.”

Sashihara Rino stated, “Above all, the contestants’ journey chasing their dreams was so arduous and serious that the term ‘extreme’ is fitting. Honestly, there were so many heartbreaking moments that I wanted to ask the creators, ‘Are you really planning to execute this?’ But perhaps it was because of such harshness that I came to love all the contestants even more.”

‘World Scout: The Final Piece’ is a project aimed at completing HYBE x Geffen Records’ new four-member girl group, with a debut targeted for the second half of this year. Approximately 14,000 applicants applied to become the final member to join Emily Kelavos, Lexie Levin, and Samara Siqueira, who gained recognition through the audition ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’, which produced KATSEYE.

The judging panel boasts impressive talent. Son Sung Deuk, HxG’s Chief Creative Officer and renowned former performance director for BTS, takes the lead again after ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’. Producer Slow Rabbit, who has worked with numerous HYBE artists, including BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE, will oversee the music aspect. Joining them are HxG’s Mitra Darab, Chief Creative Producer In Jung Hyun, and choreographer NOSUKE.

Kazuha shared, “The judges’ evaluation standards are so high that even I felt nervous and tense watching the contestants’ performances. I realized once again that to achieve good results on the world stage, it’s important not only to enjoy the performance but also to have the power to captivate the audience.”

Moka said, “I usually don’t watch audition programs because I think it will be too painful, but I was deeply moved watching the contestants, and I actually received a lot of courage and strength.” She added, “The ability to make the audience happy transcends national borders. You can see those talented individuals in ‘World Scout: The Final Piece’.”