India is now a focus for HYBE. The South Korean company, known for BTS, SEVENTEEN, and ENHYPEN, has launched auditions for music talent from India and the diaspora.
The initiative comes through HYBE INDIA, the company’s Mumbai-based subsidiary set up in November 2025. It follows BTS’s recent comeback and the release of their album ARIRANG.
What the audition offers
Selected candidates will enter HYBE's training and production system. The goal is to build artists who can carry Indian identity onto the world stage.
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A report of the Hindustan Times stated that HYBE INDIA's spokesperson explained the vision: "The HYBE INDIA Audition aims to identify aspiring music talent from India and the Indian diaspora. It will offer a rare opportunity to selected applicants to enter the company's world-class training and production ecosystem. The program is designed to nurture artists who can represent India on the global stage."
The bigger strategy
HYBE is applying its 'multi-home, multi-genre' model to India. Under this approach, the Indian arm will adapt artist development to local culture while maintaining global standards.
As per the Hindustan Times, the spokesperson further added, "At its core, this effort reflects the belief in the dynamic potential of Indian youth, with a vision to shape the next generation of Indian music and entertainment-blending authentic local talent with global expertise. It is part of a larger vision to empower aspiring artists from across the world toward global excellence."
HYBE also co-created KATSEYE, a global girl group, under this same strategy.
Where and how to audition?
Auditions will run in both online and offline formats. In-person rounds are planned across ten cities - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.
Fan interest in India has been growing. In December, Mumbai hosted Jungkook's GOLDEN: The Moments exhibition - the first official BTS-related event in the country. Talks of a possible BTS India tour have also been circulating among fans.
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BTS’ recent release
Friday marked a major moment for K-pop fans worldwide. BTS released their fifth studio album, ARIRANG on March 20, ending a nearly four-year wait for new music.
The album arrived with a surprise. The group dropped their first music video alongside the release, featuring Hollywood actress Lili Reinhart, best known for her role in the TV series Riverdale. The video was directed by Tanu Muino. All seven members - RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook - appear in the visual, set against the backdrop of the open ocean.
