Epic Art Film Launches HYBE X Geffen Records Girl Group Competition

K-Pop leaders HYBE - the parent label representatives of legendary boy group BTS - and Geffen Records have teamed up to announce the 20 finalists for their inaugural HYBE x Geffen 'Dream Academy' contest: a reality show where the ultimate winners will snag a coveted spot as part of the upcoming HYBE x Geffen global girl group. 

The must-watch film draws viewers into a K-Pop dreamscape, with an original score from international music company Squeak E. Clean Studios and in-house composers Matthew CB Compton, Michelangelo Rodriguez and Zac Colwell. The film has already built an Internet frenzy for the yet-to-debut group, amassing 1.3M YouTube views and counting in just under two days, leaving audiences salivating for the competition's kickoff.

The teaser spotlights each hopeful as they make the long trek from their respective countries and continents to South Korea, acquainting themselves with their new home-away-from-home in a spirited game of hide-and-seek while showcasing the individual talents that beat 120,000 total worldwide submissions. An intensive training camp and judging process will determine the winners. The series will begin streaming via YouTube and Japan’s ABEMA on Friday, September 1 at 11 AM ET/8 AM PT. 

Notes Squeak E. Clean Studios executive creative producer Michael Gross, “It’s something of an honor each time Squeak E. Clean Studios gets tapped to contribute music and sound expertise to a project that clearly ascends into high art territory. Additionally, to lend a hand in the service of a director like Andrew Thomas Huang is an immense treat. Our thanks to all involved for helping make this film so entertaining and engaging.”

Squeak E. Clean Studios worked over two weeks to capture the audio feel of the group and its eventual coalition, a tricky feat given that the program contestants will ultimately become a musical act to watch in their own right, overseen by the juggernaut label collaboration of HYBE and Geffen Records. Score vocals were performed by Amelia Rae, with additional original music by TRY (Sam i and Shmuck the Loyal). The film was directed by Andrew Thomas Huang and Creative Directed by Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony.

HYBE Corporation is a multinational entertainment company initially founded in 2005 as Big Hit Entertainment Co., Ltd., which represents K-Pop juggernauts including BTS and Tomorrow x Together (under Big Hit Music) and New Jeans (under ADOR), among many others. Geffen Records is a record label owned by Universal Music Group through Interscope Geffen A&M Records.