Sophia Laforteza has become the first Filipino artist to debut under the renowned South Korean agency HYBE. Sophia, the only Filipina contestant in the talent search “The Debut: Dream Academy,” co-produced by HYBE and Geffen Records, has secured her place in the new K-Pop girl group KATSEYE.
The announcement was made during the show’s finale event, which was livestreamed on the HYBE YouTube channel. KATSEYE is set to officially debut in 2024, joining the ranks of prominent artists managed by HYBE, such as BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER.
Sophia will be accompanied by her fellow group members Daniela, Lara, and Megan from the USA, Manon from Switzerland, and Yoonchae from South Korea, forming a truly global ensemble. The group emerged from a rigorous selection process involving 20 finalists chosen from an impressive pool of 120,000 applicants worldwide.
Throughout the competition, fans played an integral role in shaping the journey of the contestants through their votes on platforms like Weverse and TikTok. Sophia, a fan favorite, consistently ranked at the top in fan voting.
In a heartfelt message, Sophia previously expressed her gratitude to her supporters and shared her aspirations of becoming an idol. Her debut with KATSEYE not only fulfills her personal dream but also marks a significant milestone in the representation of Filipino talent in the K-Pop industry.
HYBE’s partnership with Geffen Records, a part of Universal Music Group, is a testament to the global appeal and influence of K-Pop, bringing together talents from diverse backgrounds to create a new wave in the music industry.