A survival show like KATSEYE’s formation, these guys will have to prove their worth.
HYBE Latin America’s next-generation global boy group project, “SANTOS BRAVOS,” will launch next month. Following the success of the girl group KATSEYE, which debuted in the U.S. last year and showcased the possibility of globalizing the K‑pop production model, HYBE is once again poised to reshape the global music industry.
According to HYBE Latin America, the Mexico-based reality series forming this new boy group will premiere on their official social media channels in August. Sixteen participants from diverse countries, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Spain, and the U.S., were chosen from hundreds of applicants and entered a customized boot camp to train intensively in musicianship, emotional expression, and stage performance. The final five members, debuting as SANTOS BRAVOS, will have their trainee journeys tracked by music fans worldwide.
A teaser video and profile photos of the 16 contestants were released the same day. It shows them—from various cultural backgrounds—coming together to chase the same dream and sweat it out collectively. Fans are already focused on how these hopefuls, supported by global mentors, will grow and evolve.
“SANTOS BRAVOS” marks a major milestone: the first introduction of HYBE’s structured artist discovery and development system in Latin America. Designed and globalized by Bang Si Hyuk, this system combines rigorous training, emotional support, narrative building, and community involvement to cultivate artists with cultural identity and personal growth. Bang Si‑hyuk said, “Our goal isn’t just to create a group, but to help young Latin artists experience real artistic and personal transformation. In that sense, SANTOS BRAVOS is a project of authenticity, emotion, and connection.”
The project also features top-tier creative talent: Kenny Ortega, director and choreographer famed for Disney’s High School Musical and Descendants, serves as creative director. Hitmaker Johnny Goldstein (who’s worked with Shakira, BTS’s J‑Hope, and ENHYPEN) is the main music producer. Vocal coaching comes from Raab Stevenson, who’s worked with Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and SZA. And veteran Colombian producer Jaime Escallón, known for shows like X Factor and Survivor, oversees the project as executive producer.
Additionally, HYBE Latin America launched another major group selection show on June 8 in partnership with Telemundo (NBCUniversal’s Spanish-language network) called Pase A La Fama. The show debuted at No. 1 in its Spanish-language time slot (Nielsen Ratings), with an average of 200,000 adult viewers aged 18–49 and a total audience of 688,000, an impressive start.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Hybe Latin America, SNS SANTAOS BRAVOS
