HYBE to Launch Mixed-Gender Global Idol Group with YouTuber Alan Chikin Chow

HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS, is making headlines once again—this time with plans to debut a mixed-gender global idol group. The innovative project is a collaboration with viral YouTuber Alan Chikin Chow, known for his content targeting children, tweens, and teens.

A New Kind of Idol Group: Co-Ed, Global, and Story-Driven

Under a newly established label, HYBE and Alan Chikin Chow are introducing a six-member group made up of three males and three females. What sets this project apart is its storytelling approach: the group will be unveiled through an original streaming series. The show follows a group of pop idol hopefuls who, after being rejected, come together at an arts academy to form their own band.

This fresh concept blends K-pop training culture, Western media formats, and youth-driven storytelling, signaling HYBE’s ambition to redefine the global idol market.

Global Auditions Open via YouTube Shorts

HYBE is currently accepting auditions on YouTube Shorts, making it easily accessible for aspiring performers around the world. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Can Apply?

• Male or female applicants
• Aged 18 to 28 years old
• Open to all nationalities

This project has been in development since 2024, with auditions having quietly begun two months ago. However, it recently caught public attention following news of THE BLACK LABEL’s co-ed group, sparking online discussions and comparisons.

HYBE’s move into the mixed-gender idol format is a bold shift in an industry traditionally dominated by single-gender groups. With the added global reach of Alan Chikin Chow’s fanbase and YouTube’s accessibility, the company is clearly aiming to expand its cultural influence across new platforms and demographics.