HYBE India launches nationwide K-pop talent hunt: How and where to audition

South Korea’s entertainment powerhouse, HYBE Corporation, has officially brought its search for global music talent to India. On March 24, 2026, HYBE India — the Indian subsidiary of the conglomerate behind BTS, Seventeen, and TXT — announced its first-ever nationwide audition, marking a historic moment for India’s K-pop aspirations.

Audition cities and schedule

In-person auditions will be held across ten Indian cities starting March 31, 2026. The selected cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. For members of the Indian diaspora, overseas auditions are planned in Toronto, New York, Sydney, Singapore, and London. HYBE India has also promised an online audition option for those unable to attend in-person.

Focus areas and training

The auditions will evaluate vocals, rap, and dance, aiming to discover artists capable of representing India on the global stage. Selected candidates will enter HYBE’s world-class training and development programme, receiving professional guidance to debut as artists prepared for international careers.

Vision and partnerships

HYBE India emphasises nurturing talent while preserving cultural identity. In its official statement, the company noted that combining India’s creative energy with HYBE’s global system will generate strong synergies for artists. Corporate partners including Samsung, Nongshim, H&M, and Shoppers Stop, along with media and ticketing partners Snapchat and BookMyShow, are supporting the initiative.

Background

HYBE India launched in Mumbai in September 2025 with the mission “Where voices of India become global stories.” The nationwide audition comes after BTS’s historic Arirang comeback and sold-out Gwanghwamun Square concert, reflecting HYBE’s expanding influence and physical presence in India. The auditions mark the first step toward forming a K-pop-style group from India, with top-tier training and global debut opportunities awaiting the selected talents.

This initiative opens doors for aspiring Indian artists to step onto the global K-pop stage, blending local cultural roots with international music standards.