K-Pop has become a worldwide phenomenon, with various groups reaching international fame. And once again, HYBE hopes to create the next big idol group, but this time, they're going global. In a collaboration with American music label, Geffen Records, they hope to create a diverse girl group made up of members from various backgrounds through audition program, "The Debut: Dream Academy".

The contestants will go through the typical K-Pop training regime, with their experience being recorded and shown to viewers from across the world. After a series of eliminations, a brand new girl group will be formed, ready to change the landscape of K-Pop forever.

While "The Debut: Dream Academy" might seem like your typical survival program, it challenges all previous preconceptions of what a K-Pop competition show should be. With its premiere on September 1st through its official YouTube channel, the program immediately showcase its unique charm and appeal.

Here's a few things that set "The Debut: Dream Academy" apart from any competition program you've seen before!

 

1. No Episode Format

With most survival competition programs, fans of these shows have become accustomed to numerous episodes of grueling competition. However, "The Debut: Dream Academy" does away with this system and instead adopts something a bit more casual. While its goal of creating a legendary girl group remains evident, it aims to upload various videos onto the HYBE LABELS YouTube channel. Ranging from mission performances to fancams and vlogs, viewers are still able to track the contestants' journey throughout the program.

 

2. Missions Laid Out Right From The Beginning

All competition programs provide various missions for its contestants. This serves as a way to challenge them and check if they possess the skills needed to succeed as a K-Pop idol. While these missions are usually announced over time, "The Debut: Dream Academy" lays it out right from the beginning. From the start of the program, both contestants and fans of the show know what missions to expect and in what order. While this might eliminate a surprise factor, there's still hype surrounding what songs will be included and how the contestants will interpret them to move onto the next stage of competition.

 

3. International Collaboration Between Record Labels

There are numerous successful groups who have been created through K-Pop competition programs. However, this collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records aims to create a one of a kind unit, specifically made to dominate not only the Korean music charts but beyond. Since they established their joint venture in 2021, HYBE and Geffen Records looks to create the future of K-Pop. And it seems like it all starts with "The Debut: Dream Academy".

Have you been keeping track of the contestants' journey so far? What do you think of the program? Let us know in the comments!