HYBE x Geffen Records' new show 'WORLD SCOUT' features top Japanese talents, including Hikorohee, to find a global star by 2026.

For the global debut in 2026, the audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' by HYBE x Geffen Records, aimed at discovering Japan's top talents, has confirmed the appearance of Hikorohee as a studio cast member. Along with previously announced studio cast members Rino Sashihara, Sakura and Kazuha from LE SSERAFIM, and Mocha and Iroha from ILLIT, Hikorohee, known for her unique perspective and sharp commentary, will join the show. The diverse backgrounds of the studio cast will observe the contestants, who are challenging themselves for their dreams, from various angles. Before the show airs, the studio cast shared highlights, with Sashihara commenting, 'I want to tell everyone before watching that this is a really tough audition. It shows the extremes of human capability, and honestly, there were many moments that made my chest ache. However, because of that harshness, I found myself wanting to support all the contestants wholeheartedly, and before I knew it, I liked all of them.' Additionally, Sakura Miyawaki mentioned, 'This time, the big difference is deciding the “final piece” or “last person.” As someone who stands on stage, it made me reconsider what it means to charm people and what my own identity is.' 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' is a global talent discovery project by HYBE x Geffen Records, which will conduct large-scale auditions across Japan. The show aims to discover the 'one artist' who will debut alongside Emily, Lexie, and Samara, who participated as trainees in 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' The story of how the 'main character' is born amidst the intersection of Japan's top talents and the world's highest-level production team is drawing attention. Sashihara commented, 'First of all, I want to tell everyone before watching that this is a really tough audition. It shows the extremes of human capability, and honestly, there were many moments that made my chest ache. However, because of that harshness, I found myself wanting to support all the contestants wholeheartedly, and before I knew it, I liked all of them. I think viewers need a certain level of preparedness for this show, but I hope everyone will warmly watch each contestant who is working hard. I hope you look forward to it.' Hikorohee commented, 'As a new audition program by HYBE x Geffen Records, I believe many people around the world are looking forward to it. It’s a very tough condition where only one person can pass, but each person has their own story leading up to that point. We will ultimately witness the success story of the “one person” who passes, but behind that, there are the girls’ lives, dreams, and efforts. I think this program carefully depicts that process, and the judging methods and tasks are all things I’ve never seen before. Including the concept of 'searching for the last person,' I think it’s a unique audition program, so as Sashihara said, I would be happy if you could watch it with warm feelings.' LE SSERAFIM's Sakura and Kazuha commented, 'Previous audition programs often showed the process of creating a group from scratch, but this time, the big difference is deciding the “final piece” or “last person.” As the judging progresses, while the bonds deepen as friends, there are moments where we don’t know how to face each other as rivals, and it becomes lonely to part, creating emotions completely different from those we’ve seen in previous auditions. As someone who stands on stage, it made me reconsider what it means to charm people and what my own identity is, and I would be happy if this program could push those chasing their dreams even a little.' ILLIT's Mocha and Iroha commented, 'I originally found it a bit difficult to watch such realistic audition programs. I thought I would get too emotionally involved and feel sad when seeing tough moments. But after watching it properly for the first time, I was really moved and gained a lot of courage and strength. I think it’s a very heart-moving content that includes the struggles and worries of the contestants amid the strictness of 'choosing just one person.' Honestly, I thought, 'I might get hooked on such programs from now on.' - The new audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' by HYBE x Geffen Records will start airing on ABEMA from February 24, 2026. - LE SSERAFIM's Sakura and Kazuha, and Rino Sashihara among five have been selected! The new audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' has been confirmed to air. - HYBE reveals three members of a new global girl group! The remaining one will be decided through auditions held in Japan. ■ Broadcast Information 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Broadcast Date: February 24, 2026 (Tuesday) at 8 PM (Airing every Tuesday at 8 PM) Broadcast Channel: ABEMA SPECIAL <Studio Cast> Rino Sashihara, Hikorohee, Sakura (LE SSERAFIM), Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM), Mocha (ILLIT), Iroha (ILLIT) ■ Related Links 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Program Page ■ Broadcast Information 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Broadcast Date: February 24, 2026 (Tuesday) at 8 PM (Airing every Tuesday at 8 PM) Broadcast Channel: ABEMA SPECIAL <Studio Cast> Rino Sashihara, Hikorohee, Sakura (LE SSERAFIM), Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM), Mocha (ILLIT), Iroha (ILLIT) ■ Related Links 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Program Page