HYBE x Geffen’s Girl Group Competition Series The Debut: Dream Academy Is Here — See All Contestants and Eliminations

Sara Delgado
·8 min read

K-pop fans and girl group enthusiasts, gather around because HYBE has partnered up with Geffen Records to give us the best of both worlds with The Debut: Dream Academy.

The K-pop juggernaut (home to BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and more) and the esteemed American record label have joined forces to bring us "a worldwide search for the next global girl group." After combing through thousands of applications, HYBE x Geffen finally announced the 20 girls selected to participate in The Debut: Dream Academy in late August 2023, and fans started picking favorites immediately.

Whether you are new to the show and ready to dive in, or you've been tuning in and just need a recap to find out who's been most recently eliminated, find out everything you need to know about The Debut: Dream Academy below.

What exactly is The Debut: Dream Academy?

The Debut: Dream Academy is an audition program taking the form of what's commonly referred to as a girl group debut project — or, in other words, a survival-style series where participants will compete to be part of the final lineup of a new girl group debuting after the finale. Per HYBE x Geffen, the group resulting from this program is being touted as “the world's biggest girl group.”

The Debut: Dream Academy will do things a bit differently than your regular survival-style show, however. For starters, rather than being poached directly after their auditions, The Debut: Dream Academy participants have already trained for a year in Los Angeles with "K-pop methodology." Translation: The 20 girls have been receiving K-pop trainee-inspired lessons to prepare them for the show, during which they'll show off their best chops.

By the end of these episodes, it's customary that the newly-created group will have its first song as part of the show. As shared by HYBE x Geffen execs, the song for the girl group formed via The Debut: Dream Academy will be in English to showcase their global prowess and mix different cultural elements visually and sonically.

Where can I watch The Debut: Dream Academy?

The Debut: Dream Academy is being broadcast for all fans around the world via its own YouTube channel, so make sure you are subscribed if you don't want to miss any updates. If you are in Japan, you can also tune in via ABEMA.

That's not all, though. Though we are only just getting to know The Debut: Dream Academy, the HYBE x Geffen partnership was actually formed years ago and will be the focus of an upcoming original Netflix docuseries directed by Nadia Hallgren and slated to premiere sometime in 2024. The documentary project will follow the partnership's genesis as well as the formation and training of the group, so there'll be plenty of The Debut: Dream Academy to consume for the foreseeable future.

When did The Debut: Dream Academy start airing?

The first episode of The Debut: Dream Academy, focused on auditions, premiered on YouTube at 11 a.m. (ET) on Friday, September 1, 2023. New episodes will premiere weekly, so you can expect a new broadcast each Friday at the same time.

When will The Debut: Dream Academy finish airing?

The Debut: Dream Academy is slated to last a total of 12 weeks. The final lineup and name for the group will be revealed during the finale. If we do a bit of basic math and no unexpected delays occur, the The Debut: Dream Academy finale should air on Friday, November 17, 2023 — so mark your calendars accordingly.

How can I vote for The Debut: Dream Academy?

Voting for The Debut: Dream Academy will be available via fan platform Weverse once the show starts airing. The final lineup will be decided with fan votes, but, per a press release, “a panel of experienced evaluators will offer valuable feedback and guidance to the contestants.”

Who's participating in The Debut: Dream Academy?

According to promotional teasers, there were over 120,000 audition tapes submitted to take part in The Debut: Dream Academy from prospective contestants around the world, but only 20 candidates were selected. Meet the 20 participants of The Debut: Dream Academy, in alphabetical order, below, and check out their Polaroid headshots exclusively shared with Teen Vogue:

1. Adela (ELIMINATED)

<h1 class="title">Adela from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Adela from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

2. Brooklyn

<h1 class="title">Brooklyn from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Brooklyn from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

3. Celeste

<h1 class="title">Celeste from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Celeste from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

4. Daniela

<h1 class="title">Daniela from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Daniela from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

5. Emily

<h1 class="title">Emily from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Emily from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

6. Ezrela

<h1 class="title">Ezrela from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Ezrela from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

  • Age: 20

  • Home Country: Australia (of Indian descent)

  • Instagram: @ezrelaa

  • TikTok: @its.ezy

7. Hinari (ELIMINATED)

<h1 class="title">Hinari from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Hinari from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

8. Iliya

<h1 class="title">Iliya from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Iliya from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

9. Karlee

<h1 class="title">Karlee from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Karlee from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

10. Lara

<h1 class="title">Lara from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Lara from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

  • Age: 17

  • Home Country: Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. (of Indian descent)

  • Instagram: @lararajj

  • TikTok: @lararajj

11. Lexie

<h1 class="title">Lexie from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Lexie from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

12. Manon

<h1 class="title">Manon from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Manon from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

13. Marquise

<h1 class="title">Marquise from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Marquise from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

14. Megan

<h1 class="title">Megan from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Megan from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

15. Mei

<h1 class="title">Mei from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Mei from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

  • Age: 17

  • Home Country: Japan

  • Instagram: @ap_rlsn

16. Nayoung

<h1 class="title">Nayoung from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Nayoung from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

  • Age: 21

  • Home Country: South Korea

  • Instagram: @160.0_0

17. Samara

<h1 class="title">Samara from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Samara from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

18. Sophia

<h1 class="title">Sophia from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Sophia from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

19. UA

<h1 class="title">Ua from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Ua from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

20. Yoonchae

<h1 class="title">Yoonchae from The Debut: Dream Academy</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)</cite>

Yoonchae from The Debut: Dream Academy

Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records\ (Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)

Who has been eliminated from The Debut: Dream Academy?

After completing missions, contestants are eliminated from The Debut: Dream Academy. The first elimination of the program happened on September 15 after the first round of missions in which contestants were split into four groups — two dance teams and two vocal teams — to showcase their abilities. Fans voted via Weverse and YouTube to pick their favorites, with results unveiled via Instagram. Taking into account fan commentary while selecting the chopping block, the judges ultimately eliminated Adéla and Hinari.

Adéla during her elimination from *The Debut: Dream Academy*.

HYBE x Geffen’s Girl Group Competition Series The Debut: Dream Academy Is Here — See All Contestants and Eliminations

Adéla during her elimination from *The Debut: Dream Academy*.
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records for Teen Vogue
Hinari during her elimination from *The Debut: Dream Academy*.

HYBE x Geffen’s Girl Group Competition Series The Debut: Dream Academy Is Here — See All Contestants and Eliminations

Hinari during her elimination from *The Debut: Dream Academy*.
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records for Teen Vogue

Currently, 18 contestants remain on The Debut: Dream Academy. After both the second and third missions, four more contestants will be eliminated in each round. The final 10 remaining contestants will participate in the live finale scheduled for November 17. Keep track of who’s been eliminated so far in pictures below:

<h1 class="title">The Debut: Dream Academy ELIMINATIONS ROUND 1.jpg</h1><cite class="credit">Composite. Images courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records.</cite>

The Debut: Dream Academy ELIMINATIONS ROUND 1.jpg

Composite. Images courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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