
In preparation for the global debut in 2026, the judges for the audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' by HYBE × Geffen Records, which aims to discover Japan's top talent, have been announced. The judges include Sungdeuk Son, Executive Creator of HYBE × Geffen Records and choreographer for BTS, NOSUKE, a choreographer active both domestically and internationally, Jay Ihn, the creative production head overseeing the entire project, Slow Rabbit, a representative music producer from HYBE involved in producing songs for BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, KATSEYE, and Mitra Darab, the president of HYBE × Geffen Records, among other global professionals. The judges will sincerely engage with each candidate throughout the program and witness their growth. Attention is focused on how these global professionals will evaluate and discover the raw talent of a star. ■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 <Judges/Trainers> Sungdeuk Son (Executive Creator of HYBE × Geffen Records) Jay Ihn (Creative Production Head of HYBE × Geffen Records) NOSUKE (Choreographer/Dancer) Sakura Inoue (Choreographer/Dancer) Slow Rabbit (Music Producer/Composer) Mitra Darab (President of HYBE × Geffen Records) Lauren Jauregui (Singer-Songwriter, member of Fifth Harmony) Bart Schoudel (Producer/Vocal Producer/Engineer) Preslee Tucker (Choreographer/Dancer) Soomi Jeong (Vocal Coach) AIKA (Choreographer/Dancer) Nikky Paramo (Choreographer/Artist Developer) Maasa Ishihara (Choreographer/Dancer/Movement Coach) Lauren Real (Vocal Coach) Steve Real (Vocal Coach) Gabe a.k.a. DSTRK (Vocal Coach) <Studio Cast> Rino Sashihara, Hikorohee, SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM), KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM), MOKA (ILLIT), IROHA (ILLIT) ■Related Links 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Program Page
ILLIT has been awarded Best 3 New Artist (Asia) at the 40th Japan Gold Disc Awards. This follows their previous achievements, including three awards for 'Magnetic'. They gained popularity with their original song 'Almond Chocolate' and are set to embark on their first live tour, starting in Seoul and continuing in Japan.
HYBE has announced the first lineup for the 2026 Weverse Con Festival, set for June 6-7 in Seoul. The lineup includes 10 artists, such as &TEAM, CORTIS, and PLAVE, showcasing a variety of genres and generations in the music scene. The festival promises exciting performances and new music from these artists.
On the morning of the 6th, a collaboration event between fashion brand Rockfish Weatherwear and ILLIT took place in Seoul's Seongdong District, attended by ILLIT members Iroha and Wonhee. Additionally, Wonhee's collaboration with the cosmetics brand 'rom&nd' was announced, and Hikorohee will appear as a studio cast member on the new audition show 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE', with comments from LE SSERAFIM and others.
On the afternoon of the 26th, a photo wall event for the launch of ESTEE LAUDER's new products was held at Central City in Gangnam, Seoul. Celebrities such as IU, GOT7's Jinyoung, ILLIT's Mocha, Moon Sang-min, and Lee Sa-be attended. The event featured sweet moments from IU and Byung Woosuk's new drama and the main poster for GOT7's Jinyoung and Kim Min-ju's new drama 'Shining.'
ILLIT greets fans for the Lunar New Year, expressing gratitude for their support over the years. They hope fans enjoy time with loved ones and wish for their health and happiness. The group is set to embark on their first tour, 'ILLIT LIVE『PRESS START♥』', starting March 14 in Seoul and covering seven cities including Hong Kong.
The audition show 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' by HYBE x Geffen Records aims to discover a global star by 2026, featuring talents like Hikorohee and others. The show promises intense competition and emotional stories of the contestants, as they strive to become the final member of a new girl group.
ILLIT's first Japanese single 'Toki yo Tomare' has achieved gold certification from the Japan Record Association, marking a major milestone for the group. The single features four tracks, including 'Topping' and 'Almond Chocolate,' and has topped various Japanese music charts. Their new songs continue to gain attention, including 'Bubee,' the opening theme for the upcoming anime 'Mahou no Shimai Lulut Lily.'
ABEMA will launch 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' on February 24, 2026, an audition show by HYBE and Geffen Records to discover talent for a new girl group. The show features notable cast members and aims to find one standout artist from Japan, showcasing the intersection of top talent and production.
ILLIT's first single "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, marking a significant milestone in just two months. The reggae-influenced pop song expresses a desire to be seen beyond just cuteness. With a cool vibe, it has gained popularity among fans and is trending on social media. ILLIT will embark on their first live tour across seven cities, starting in Seoul.
ILLIT has unexpectedly released the music video for their first single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' featuring the track 'NOT ME.' The video captures the members' everyday life with a paparazzi-style approach, highlighting their stylish outfits and lively personalities. The song, characterized by its catchy rhythm and chic vocals, boldly discusses self-identity with the addictive phrase 'That's not my name.'
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