Three ex-‘Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE’ finalists confirmed for new HYBE x Geffen group

Three fan-favourite finalists from The Debut: Dream Academy have been unveiled as members of a new global girl group – find out more below.

• READ MORE: KATSEYE: “If you don’t get it, then it’s not for you – and that’s OK”

In 2023, powerhouse K-pop agency HYBE teamed up with Geffen Records to launch a new partnership, targeted at forming new global pop groups. These groups would feature members from across the globe and explore different cultures and sounds, while being trained under tried-and-tested K-pop regiments.

The first group under the HYBE x Geffen partnership, KATSEYE, made their debut in 2024. The group was created through an extensive and gruelling elimination-based competition, Dream Academy. The process was documented and turned into a Netflix documentary, Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.

Now, HYBE x Geffen have confirmed that they’re putting together a new girl group. While KATSEYE comprises six members, the new group will have four. Of those four, three members have already been confirmed – they’re fan-favourite Dream Academy contestants and finalists who either left the 2023 competition on their own accord or narrowly missed out on clinching a spot in KATSEYE.

The new group – which has yet to reveal its name – consists of Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin. Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira were among the 10 finalists on Dream Academy, making it all the way to the live finale. Lexie Levin, on the other hand, withdrew from the competition due to the intense and competitive nature between the contestants and its negative impact on her mental state.

Additionally, HYBE and Geffen have released a video introducing Emily, Samara and Lexie – you can check it out below.

HYBE and Geffen are now hosting auditions for the upcoming group’s fourth and final member. This member will be determined through an elimination-based competition, much like Dream Academy.

The competition series, titled World Scout: The Final Piece, will be held in Japan and will begin streaming in early 2026. Audition applications can be submitted here until September 22.

As for KATSEYE, the group have released two mini-albums to date, and have launched chart-topping hits like ‘Gnarly’, ‘Gabriela’ and more. They recently made their Lollapalooza debut, and have announced their first-ever tour.