Overview
Hib and Geffen Records have announced a new global girl group project, Prelude: The Final Piece, sparking major controversy and debate within the K-pop community over member selections, past controversies, and the group's unique debut process.
Project Announcement & Structure
- Hib is launching another global girl group in partnership with Geffen Records, similar to their previous project, Cats Eye.
- The new group's formation, Prelude: The Final Piece, includes three fixed members with the fourth to be selected via a new competition show.
- Auditions for the last member are open to women and non-binary individuals globally until September 22, 2025, through the show World Scout: The Final Piece.
- Finalists will train in Japan and then move to Los Angeles for the group's US debut.
Member Selection and Fan Reactions
- Three fixed members—Samara Sakara (Brazil), Lexi Leven (Sweden), and Emily Kellivos (USA)—are all former Dream Academy contestants.
- Emily's inclusion was met with overwhelming fan support and seen as a redemption arc after her previous elimination.
- Samara's addition reignited backlash due to former social media activity viewed as offensive and her alleged association with a controversial religious group.
- Lexi, who voluntarily left Dream Academy, was welcomed back by many, but some fans criticized perceived double standards in her treatment compared to other contestants.
- Speculation and conspiracy theories about additional members arose but were dispelled by the official four-member announcement.
Controversies and Community Split
- The project has split the fanbase, with some celebrating second chances and others calling for boycotts due to member controversies and past behaviors.
- Samara’s history of liking problematic social media posts and alleged extremist religious ties have driven significant opposition.
- Accusations of Hib's management using specific idols for damage control and demonstrating bias in contestant treatment persist.
- Criticism arose over Hib recycling eliminated contestants from Dream Academy instead of debuting fresh talent, questioning the show's original purpose.
Group Dynamics and Future Concerns
- Concerns about potential group tension exist as the three Dream Academy members share a unique bond, making the upcoming fourth member an outsider.
- Fans worry about the pre-debut chaos, management priorities, and the impact on Prelude's ability to build a supportive fanbase.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will Hib or Geffen address the controversies surrounding Samara directly?
- How will the group integrate and support the future fourth member given the potential disconnect?
- What steps, if any, will be taken to address community concerns about fairness and group dynamics?