HYBE launches nationwide search for "new girl group" in India

After making a major mark on the global music scene with acts like BTS, Seventeen, TXT, NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Illit, and Katseye, HYBE has now officially entered India, and it is beginning that journey with a big move, a nationwide search for a new girl group.

Hybe India is looking to build a homegrown act that can represent India on the global stage, with a focus on telling authentic and relatable stories through music. At the centre of the initiative is the idea of celebrating “Harmony in Diversity” while spotlighting the voices of young Indian women.

The auditions are open to girls born between 2005 and 2011, and participants can audition in categories such as vocals, rap, dance, acting, and more.

According to an official statement shared by Rolling Stones India, the decision to launch a girl group in India came after detailed local research, both online and on-ground. The findings pointed to “a clear aspiration among young Indian women for artists who reflect their voices and serve as inspirational role models.”

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Damien Woochang Lee, CEO of HYBE India, said, “India has never lacked talent or ambition – what’s been missing is a consistent pathway to the global stage.” He further added, “This audition is where that process begins.”

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The audition process officially begins on March 31, 2026, and will continue till July 31, 2026 as part of a four-month talent search across 10 Indian cities. These include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. The process will include both online and offline rounds.

To support the campaign, HYBE India has also partnered with brands such as Samsung, H&M, Nongshim Shin Ramyun, and Shoppers Stop. The audition drive will also be promoted through local pop-up activations in select cities, a media partnership with Snapchat, and a ticketing partnership with BookMyShow.


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