"Might be the most horrible trio of names": Internet reacts as HYBE teams up with Ryan Tedder to launch U.S. boy group

South Korean entertainment agency HYBE has announced a collaboration with Grammy-winning producer and OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder to launch a new U.S.-based boy group.

The project will be spearheaded by HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun, and Tedder. This initiative seemingly aims to mark a significant step in HYBE’s global expansion strategy. However, while some fans are excited about the new initiative, others on social media have reacted with skepticism.

The partnership will kick off with a worldwide talent search. The agency has officially invited aspiring artists aged 13 to 23 from all nationalities to apply on the dedicated website. The selected trainees will undergo a training program in Los Angeles, with HYBE’s K-pop development system and Tedder’s direction.

(Post via X/@kchartsmaster)

The website, HYBE America's official website, where enthusiasts can apply for the audition, mentions on its page:

"HYBE is collaborating with multi-platform producer Ryan Tedder for a groundbreaking partnership behind the latest evolution in pop music artistry. This unprecedented alliance merges HYBE's proven expertise in artist training and development of K-pop infrastructure and global fandom cultivation with Tedder's legendary track record of creating chart-topping hits and developing successful artists."

It also adds,

"The project will be led by an elite team of industry veterans, including HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, the visionary producer behind 21st century pop icons BTS and KATSEYE, HYBE AMERICA CEO Scooter Braun, and Ryan Tedder, who will oversee all aspects of casting and creative direction. Training for this new group of artists, to be conducted in Los Angeles, will fuse HYBE's comprehensive development program with creative direction from Tedder, whose credits include collaborations with Beyoncé, Adele, Ed Sheeran, and more."

The search for members has thus officially begun. Applications are open to aspiring performers worldwide. Candidates have to submit a photo portfolio, performance videos, and an introduction of themselves. Auditions will be held on a rolling basis throughout the year.

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Internet reacts to the HYBE x Ryan Tedder partnership

Pop Base took to its official X handle to share the news of this collaboration between the Korean agency and One Direction's frontman. The post was captioned:

"Ryan Tedder is partnering with HYBE's Bang Sihyuk and Scooter Braun to form and train a new global boy group."

Netizens were quick to share their thoughts on this newly announced partnership. One such X user commented:

"might be the most horrible trio of names I've ever read in one sentence."

Below is what some other netizens had to remark on this collaboration that was launched to create a new U.S. boy group:

"oh lord, not this again.. scooter braun about to ruin more people", declared a netizen.

"This is a big and good news", shared another.

"This new boy group is going to be a game changer! Can’t wait to see what Ryan Tedder, Bang Sihyuk, and Scooter Braun cook up together. The hype is real!", added a third.

"We don’t want it at all", remarked a fourth.

This initiative follows a trend of K-pop labels investing in international markets, as seen with groups like KATSEYE and JYP Entertainment’s American girl group, VCHA. Whether HYBE’s latest project will achieve the same level of success remains to be seen.

As the auditions roll out and the group takes shape, fans and industry enthusiasts will likely be watching closely.

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