A 20-year-old Filipina is among the finalists of the audition program The Debut: Dream Academy formed by South Korean company HYBE and American record label Geffen Records.

Filipina Sophia Laforteza was one of the contestants unveiled on Tuesday, August 29. She will be competing alongside other contestants from different parts of the world including Thailand, USA, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Belarus, Argentina, Sweden, and Slovakia.

The contestants will be competing for a spot for the very first HYBE X Geffen Records global girl group.

According to a report by Billboard, the 20 finalists were chosen from over 120,000 submissions since they announced the audition in 2021.

"I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while," HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk remarked at a press event as reported by Billboard.

"To do this, I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met [Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO] John [Janick], from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively. I am very proud of the rich history we have made and the tremendous talent we have found. I am proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-pop universe," he added.

John described the journey of creating a global group an exciting moment for music fans.

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"Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity. To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-pop methodology, and our Geffen team, is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its kind experience in music," he remarked.

Photo Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records

"Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world."

Fans can follow the journey of the contestants of The Debut: Dream Academy on YouTube and Japan’s ABEMA starting September.

The final members of the global girl group will be announced during the finale on November 17.

Meanwhile, a Netflix documentary series directed by Nadia Hallgren will be released which will feature the process of creating the global girl group.