Dream Academy, officially titled "The Debut: Dream Academy," is a global talent competition reality show created through an international collaboration between the South Korean entertainment company Hybe and the American record label Geffen Records. The show aims to form a six-member global girl group by applying the K-pop training and production methodology on an international scale
. Key details about Dream Academy include:
- It features 20 female contestants from 12 different countries, aged between 14 and 21, who have undergone rigorous training for about a year before the show began
- The contestants compete in three missions designed to test their artistry, with eliminations after each mission until 10 finalists remain to compete in the finale
- The project was announced in 2023, premiered on YouTube on September 1, 2023, and ran for 12 weeks, concluding in November 2023 with the formation of the final girl group named Katseye
- The show is fan-interactive, allowing fans to engage with contestants and follow their journey through various social media platforms and streaming services like YouTube and Weverse
- A Netflix documentary series about the project is scheduled to air in 2024, providing an in-depth look at the contestants' journey to debut
The initiative represents a fusion of Western and K-pop music industry practices, aiming to nurture international talent through the renowned K-pop training system while embracing diverse cultural backgrounds
. The collaboration between Hybe and Geffen Records reflects a strategic alliance to create a new global K-pop sensation
. In summary, Dream Academy is a pioneering global K-pop survival show by Hybe and Geffen Records designed to create a multinational girl group through a competitive, fan-engaged reality format that blends K-pop training with international talent
