These first few episodes break down a lot of interesting things—specifically the idea of a global girl group in a competitive environment where whole countries are, allegedly, throwing all their support behind one contestant. Is this fair for the majority nationality on the show (American)? Also the girls are very open about how difficult this journey is. Hybe, take care of the girls, PLEASE

The Debut: Dream Academy is a survival show produced by HYBE Entertainment and Geffen Records for a 6-member global girl group. There are a total of 20 participants. The voting will be held on Weverse starting on September 6th. The show will start airing on September 1st, 2023. The live finale on November 17th will reveal the group name and members. All content will be available on their YouTube channel and Japan’s ABEMA. (thank u kprofiles for this description!)
Mission 1: SHOWCASE – 4 groups split between Dance (Pink Venom by Blackpink; OMG by NewJeans) & Vocals (Dancing on my Own x Happier than Ever – Robyn x Billie Eilish
Mission 2: TEAMS (again lol) dancing AND singing together: Le Sserafim’s Fearless & Antifragile

Contestants:
Lee Nayoung 이나영 Korean
Manon Bannerman 마농 Swiss
Iliya Fedartsova 일리야 from Belaruse
Sophia Laforteza (소피아) Filipino
Ezrela Abraham (에즈렐라) Indian-Australian
Karlee Tanaka (칼리) Japanese, Korean American
Adéla Jergová (아델라) – Slovakia
Daniela Avanzini (다니엘라) American
Celeste Díaz (셀레스트) Argentine-Colombian
Lexie Levin (렉시) – Swedish
Samara Henriques Siqueira Cunha (사마라) – Brazil
Mei Terada (메이/寺田 芽衣) – Japan
Lara Rajagopalan (라라) American with Tamil heritage
Megan Meiyok Skiendiel (메간) - Chinese American
Emily Ann Kelavos (에밀리) – American
Brooklyn Van Sandt (브루클린) – USA
Marquise (มาร์คีส์ 마키) – Thai
Yoonchae Jeong (정윤채) – Korea
Ua Shimada (우아/島田 宇亚) – Japanese
Hinari Irie (히나리/入江 日成) – Japan