HYBE to Discover ‘the Next KATSEYE’ in India... “Expanding Audition Program Amid Strong Response”

[Financial News] HYBE’s first girl group audition in India drew a large number of applicants from all 28 Indian states and six union territories, as well as people of Indian descent from more than 1,650 cities in 116 countries. In response, HYBE announced on the 3rd that it would hold additional auditions to significantly expand its search for local talent.
According to global accounting and consulting firm EY and the Indian Music Industry (IMI) in July, India’s recorded music industry generated approximately $180 million in revenue in 2025, equivalent to around 250 billion won. Although its current revenue is far smaller than that of South Korea, Japan, or the United States, India is a market the K-pop industry cannot afford to overlook, given its large user base, young population, and favorable view of Korean culture. Some 96% of smartphone users listen to music.
In particular, India’s favorability rating for Korean Wave content stood at 83.8% in the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange’s (KOFICE) “2026 Overseas Hallyu Survey,” placing it among the highest in the world, behind only the Philippines. Against this backdrop, HYBE launched its Indian subsidiary in Mumbai in 2025.

HYBE India announced through its official social media channels on the 2nd local time that it would hold the “HYBE INDIA AUDITION: FINAL CALL.” The project is an extension of the girl group audition that began in March. Any woman born between 2005 and 2011 is eligible to apply.
HYBE India will hold in-person auditions in eight cities, including Lucknow. Following the first round of auditions in 10 Indian cities and five overseas cities, the addition of this schedule will bring the total number of cities hosting in-person auditions to 23.
Lee Woo-chang, CEO of HYBE India, said, “Applicants from a very wide range of regions and backgrounds took part, reinforcing our belief that there are still many outstanding talents waiting to be discovered in various places.” The auditions are being held in collaboration with Kia India, Nongshim, and Project B.
Meanwhile, HYBE is already putting its “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy into practice in the United States, Japan, and Latin America. Representative examples include KATSEYE, a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records; &TEAM, under HYBE JAPAN’s YX Labels; and Santos Bravos, presented by HYBE Latin America. Among them, KATSEYE member Lara is an artist with Indian roots.
[email protected] Shin Jin-ah Reporter