BTS’ agency, HYBE, launches a global audition for music producers

HYBE, home to KPop juggernauts BTS, has announced the 2026 edition of its Next New Creator audition, opening a worldwide search for music producers specializing in pop. The agency unveiled the program on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and confirmed that applications will be accepted from July 14, 2026, through August 12, 2026. Applicants must be at least 19 years old, and the competition is open regardless of nationality, gender, or professional experience. Individuals and teams can participate by submitting demo recordings that showcase their production skills. Successful applicants will also receive a creative support fund of five million won during the competition.

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 program brings together several HYBE labels under one audition. Due to this, participants will have the opportunity to work with Big Hit Music, BELIFT LAB, Pledis Entertainment, YX Labels, and HYBE Japan, all home to groups such as BTS, CORTIS, ILLIT, SEVENTEEN, and TWS. After an internal review, selected producers will advance to the main competition, which may include a song camp before the final winner is selected. The winner will receive the opportunity to become an in house producer for the company. HYBE has described the project as a search for a producer who is “ready to step onto the global music industry stage,” and says the initiative has “provided opportunities for them to present their musical prowess.”

HYBE first launched Next New Creator in 2016 and has used the project to discover producers from both South Korea and international borders. One of its best-known success stories is ADORA, who joined Big Hit Music after participating in the first edition and later became an in-house producer for BTS. The company says the expanded format shows “multi-home, multi-genre strategy,” while allowing each subsidiary label to maintain its own creative individuality.