HYBE x Geffen
The new HYBE x Geffen girl group is titled "Saint Satine," and the lineup has been finalized with four members. In particular, the Japanese contestant Sakura was selected for the debut team after beating 14,000-to-1 odds.
The final stage of an audition selecting just one person. Two girls who have pursued the same dream, Sakura (16) and Ayana (18), stood at LA's historic concert hall, the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood. At the moment when tension and anticipation mixed and everyone held their breath, the name called after beating 14,000-to-1 odds was Sakura.
HYBE-Geffen Records announced the birth of the four-member girl group Saint Satine (SAINT SATINE) through episode 12 of "World Scout: The Final Piece," released on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on the 12th. Following Emily, Lexi, and Samara from the preceding audition program "The Debut: Dream Academy," which produced the global girl group KATSEYE, Sakura finally joined, completing the puzzle of the new team.
The finals were taut from the start. Sakura took the stage with the three already confirmed debut members to perform the new song "PARTY b4 the PARTY." When she flawlessly executed a high-difficulty split (a move where you quickly extend your legs into a straight line and drop to the floor) that she had repeated hundreds of times, a brief gasp burst from the audience. Sakura's confident expression and relaxed groove filled the stage. Son Sung-deuk, HxG's chief creator, lavished praise: "The moment Ms. Sakura surged forward to the front of the performance formation, I felt chills," adding, "It seems she has reached a level where she can not only possess star quality, but make it explode."
HYBE x Geffen
Ayana's "WE RIDE" performance was formidable as well. Rather than flashy changes, the solid skill she has built up stood out. There was no wavering in a single move or a single pitch, and the way she commanded the stage was likewise impressive. Mitra Darab, HxG's CEO, evaluated, "She conveyed her own swag well to the audience, and I appreciated how she enjoyed the stage."
After their performances ended, the judges' deliberations deepened. Sakura, who proved explosive growth and star quality, and Ayana, who showed steady completeness - the choice was not easy. Above all, team chemistry beyond individual capability also mattered. Chief creator Son Sung-deuk said, "I've done many audition programs, but it's the first time the judges' opinions have been exchanged this fiercely."
At last, Sakura was called. Cheers erupted from the audience, and Sakura burst into tears, covering her face with both hands. "I wanted to become an artist who shines on the world stage. I am so grateful to have achieved my dream," she said, her words trembling but clear.
Ayana was calm. She said, "I still don't want to give up on this dream. I will work even harder from now on." Before leaving the stage, she patted Sakura's head and offered a short phrase, "Stay strong," which somehow lingered even longer. Their support for one another at the end of the competition was deeper than any scene from the roughly three-month journey.
KATSEYE, their senior group, was also present. Like them, KATSEYE debuted through HYBE-Geffen Records' T&D (Training & Development) system and auditions based on Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's "K-pop methodology," and they advised their juniors, saying, "If you think too much, you can't enjoy the stage." That advice permeated every corner of the two contestants' final stage.
At the end of the broadcast, HYBE-Geffen Records' second girl group following KATSEYE was revealed to be named "Saint Satine." Creator Son Sung-deuk explained, "'Saint' signifies intense charisma and musical presence, while 'Satine' means a soft, elegant, and sophisticated image."
Emily (United States), Lexi (Sweden), Sakura (Japan), and Samara (Brazil), who stood on one stage, shouted, "The puzzle is complete," and gripped each other's hands tightly. They now speed toward the global stage with a goal of debuting in the second half of this year.
