Seoul, en.SERU.co.id — HYBE, the powerhouse entertainment company behind BTS, is casting a wide net for the next generation of pop music producers. On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the company announced the 2026 HYBE Next New Creator global audition, an open call aimed at discovering fresh talent to strengthen its in-house music production capabilities.
Unlike the company’s high-profile artist searches, this initiative specifically targets track producers — the creative minds who shape the sound of tomorrow’s hits. It marks a significant evolution of HYBE’s Next New Creator program, which has run since 2016, this time uniting multiple labels under one umbrella for a broader, more collaborative effort.
The 2026 edition brings together several key HYBE imprints:
- Big Hit Music (home to BTS)
- BELIFT LAB (ENHYPEN)
- Pledis Entertainment (SEVENTEEN)
- YX Labels (formerly HYBE Labels Japan, home to &TEAM)
- HYBE’s Japan division
Previously, individual labels typically ran the audition on their own. This year’s pooled approach reflects HYBE’s “multi-label, multi-genre” strategy, allowing selected producers to potentially work across its diverse roster.
Who Can Apply and How It Works
The audition is open to aspiring producers aged 18 (or 19) and above, with no restrictions on nationality, gender, or prior experience. Both solo creators and teams are welcome to submit two to five demo tracks that best showcase their style, creativity, and understanding of global pop trends.
- Application period: July 14 to August 12, 2026 (online)
- Successful participants will receive a creative support fund of 5 million KRW (roughly $3,270 USD)
- Top talents may advance to song camps and other evaluations, with the chance to join one of HYBE’s labels as an in-house producer
HYBE says it’s looking for creators with “boundless potential and talent” who are ready to step onto the global stage.
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A Track Record of Success
The Next New Creator program has a proven history. One notable alumna, ADORA, was discovered in the 2016 edition and went on to become a key in-house producer at Big Hit Music, contributing to BTS projects. HYBE hopes the 2026 edition will uncover similar hidden gems from around the world.
In a competitive industry where some rivals run paid academies for producers, HYBE’s free-to-enter audition with cash incentives stands out as a direct investment in raw talent.
Applications open next week via the official site at nnc.hybeaudition.com. For anyone with a knack for beats and melodies, this could be a rare shot at shaping the future of K-pop and global pop from within one of the industry’s biggest players.
*(Sources: Music Business Worldwide, Bandwagon Asia, Reports from Chosun Biz, Korea JoongAng Daily)
