In the world of K-pop, talent knows no boundaries, and the stage has always been open to aspiring artists from various corners of the globe. This time, the spotlight shines on Sophia Laforteza, a talented Filipina, who is making waves as one of the contestants on HYBE and Geffen Records’ highly anticipated talent show, “The Debut: Dream Academy.”
At just 20 years old, Sophia Laforteza has embarked on an incredible journey, joining 19 other young women hailing from diverse backgrounds, including South Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Belarus, Sweden, and Slovakia. These twenty contestants were selected from an astonishing pool of over 120,000 candidates, a testament to the global allure of K-pop.
“The Debut: Dream Academy” has recently unveiled posters and short video introductions for each of the 20 candidates. These young talents have undergone rigorous training and development within the K-pop system, showcasing their immense dedication and passion for music and performance.
The journey for these aspiring idols began in November 2021, and now, the world eagerly anticipates their progress. Starting from September 1, fans can follow “The Debut: Dream Academy” on YouTube and the Japanese streaming platform Abema. The culmination of this exciting competition will take place on November 18 when the final members of the new girl group are revealed, along with the group’s official name.
For fans who want to play an active role in shaping the future of this emerging girl group, there’s an opportunity to vote on TikTok and Weverse for their favorite candidates. The group’s concept and the number of members who will ultimately make the cut will be announced at a later date.
Furthermore, this journey from auditions to stardom will be documented in a Netflix documentary series set to release next year. The series will be helmed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the development process of the girl group.
John Jannick, Chairman of Geffen Records, shared his excitement, saying, “Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world.” Indeed, this global endeavor promises to deliver a fresh wave of talent to the ever-evolving K-pop industry.
It’s worth noting that HYBE, the Korean entertainment agency behind global sensations like BTS, Seventeen, NewJeans, Enhypen, Tomorrow X Together, and Le Sserafim, has a track record of nurturing and elevating talent to international stardom. With “The Debut: Dream Academy,” they continue to expand their horizons, searching for the next group of talented individuals who will leave their mark on the world stage.
As Sophia Laforteza and her fellow contestants embark on this thrilling journey, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see who will emerge as the shining stars of the future girl group, and what new musical sensations they will bring to the global stage.
