HYBE to host audition for pop music producers

Producing tracks for BTS no longer has to remain a fantasy for those with musical skills, creativity and ambition, as K-pop powerhouse HYBE is set to hold an audition to recruit producers.

Successful candidates for “2026 HYBE Next New Creator” will work for HYBE labels, including BigHit Music, Belift Lab, Pledis Entertainment and YX Labels, the agency announced on Tuesday.

BigHit Music is home to boy bands BTS, Tomorrow X Together and Cortis; Belift Lab manages boy band Enhypen and girl group ILLIT; and Pledis Entertainment oversees boy bands Seventeen and TWS. YX Labels is responsible for the Japanese boy band &TEAM.

Anyone aged 19 or older with a specialty in pop music production can apply, regardless of their nationality, gender or prior professional experience, though HYBE singled out “people with an understanding of the global music market and trend” as preferred candidates. 

The audition is also open to both individuals and teams.

For the initial online audition, applicants must submit at least two demo recordings, with any contributions specified. Entries created with the help of AI will not be accepted.

Those who pass the first round will be contacted separately. 

The application period runs from July 14 through Aug. 12.

HYBE will award 5 million won ($3,300) to finalists who receive a recruitment offer.

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]