HYBE is officially launching a new boy group in the U.S., and they’ve brought in some of the biggest names in the music industry to make it happen!

On February 21, HYBE announced that Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun, and Grammy-winning producer Ryan Tedder have joined forces to create a next-generation boy group.

To find the perfect members, they’ve opened an official audition website where aspiring stars aged 13 to 23 can apply. Applicants need to submit a profile photo, a self-introduction, and videos showcasing their vocal and dance skills.

All eyes are on whether Bang Si Hyuk’s K-pop system—responsible for launching global stars like BTS—will shake up the U.S. market once again. Last year, HYBE successfully debuted KATSEYE, proving that K-pop’s training and development strategies can thrive in the American music industry.

Ryan Tedder, the mastermind behind hits for Beyoncé, Adele, and Ed Sheeran, is set to bring his expertise to the group’s music production. He has already worked with HYBE artists, contributing to songs like TXT’s Back for More, &TEAM’s Dropkick, and KATSEYE’s Debut.

Scooter Braun, known for managing Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, will play a key role in discovering and shaping the group’s star power. His industry connections and experience in launching global pop icons make him an essential part of the project.

With HYBE’s artist development expertise, Ryan Tedder’s musical genius, and Scooter Braun’s industry know-how, expectations for this new group are sky-high!

Bang Si Hyuk shared, “HYBE artists have consistently dominated global charts, proving that the K-pop methodology works worldwide. With KATSEYE’s success in the U.S., we’re taking the next step by launching this boy group with Ryan Tedder. We’re excited to continue making history in the music industry.”

Ryan Tedder also expressed his excitement, saying, “This is going to be an amazing journey. We’re building a fan-driven group with top-tier music, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

Meanwhile, HYBE’s U.S. girl group KATSEYE is already making waves. Their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 119, and their track Touch surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify in just 82 days.

Fans are now eager to see if HYBE’s new boy group will reach similar success.

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Jang Geun Suk has once again left everyone speechless—this time, with his unbelievable spice tolerance!

The actor proved he’s on another level when he casually ate jujube peppers, which are five times spicier than Cheongyang chili peppers, without even flinching.

On the February 23rd episode of JTBC’s Please Take Care of My Refrigerator since 2014, Jang Geun Suk’s fridge was revealed, and it was full of fiery surprises!

Jang Geun Suk confidently declared, “I still don’t really know what spicy feels like. I’ve never actually felt it.” But actress Ha Ji Won wasn’t buying it and teased, “That’s just bluffing.”

However, Jang Geun Suk stood his ground, saying, “I do sweat when it’s hot, but when my stomach hurts, it just feels like discomfort. My tongue doesn’t feel anything, so I just keep eating.”

True to his words, his fridge was stocked with capsaicin extract, Cheongyang chili peppers, and jujube peppers, proving he’s serious about his spice obsession.

To put him to the test, the MCs handed him a jujube pepper, one of the spiciest around. Without hesitation, he popped it in his mouth and casually said, “This is sweet. I eat them like snacks.”

The entire studio was in disbelief! Even chef Lee Yeon Bok wanted to check if the pepper was really that spicy.

But the moment he took a bite, he immediately spat it out and rushed to rinse his mouth! Kim Sung Joo, completely shocked, said, “Even if he spits it out, this is impressive.”

Meanwhile, Ahn Jung Hwan noticed Jang Geun Suk’s eyes turning red and pointed it out, but the actor coolly replied, “It’s just because the studio is dry.” His hilarious poker face had everyone cracking up!

Netizens are now wondering—is Jang Geun Suk even human?!

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