The global K-Pop landscape is being reshaped once again, and as of December 2025, the music world is buzzing with the official announcement of HYBE x Geffen Records' second collaborative global girl group. This new project, titled 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece,' is not a continuation of KATSEYE, but an entirely fresh quartet featuring three familiar faces from 'The Debut: Dream Academy' survival show. The suspense is now at an all-time high as the final member—the 'Final Piece'—is yet to be named, setting the stage for a highly anticipated 2026 debut.
This initiative represents a strategic and unique move by HYBE America and Geffen Records to further globalize the K-Pop methodology, proving that the talent pipeline from the 'Dream Academy' was just the beginning. The confirmed lineup of Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin has already ignited fan excitement, promising a diverse and powerful new act ready to conquer both the Western and Asian markets. The search for the fourth and final member is currently underway, promising a dramatic conclusion to this groundbreaking project.
The Confirmed Trio: HYBE x Geffen's 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' Member Profiles
The core of the new quartet is built upon the undeniable talent and global appeal of three former 'The Debut: Dream Academy' contestants. Their inclusion in 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' confirms the enduring star power of the original trainees and offers a second chance at a global debut. Below are the detailed profiles of the three confirmed members, officially revealed in late August 2025.
- Emily Kelavos
- Full Name: Emily Ann Kelavos
- Nationality: American (from Dallas, Texas, USA)
- Birthday: February 14, 2006 (Age 19 in 2025)
- Key Fact: Emily was the first member of 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' to be officially revealed. She was a finalist on 'The Debut: Dream Academy,' finishing in 9th place, and was highly praised for her powerful vocals and stage presence. Her background is often noted for its Greek heritage.
- Samara Siqueira
- Full Name: Samara Siqueira
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Birthday: September 11, 2005 (Age 20 in 2025)
- Key Fact: Samara was the third member announced. She was a strong fan favorite and a finalist on 'Dream Academy,' narrowly missing the KATSEYE lineup by finishing in 7th place. She is recognized for her exceptional dancing skills, vibrant energy, and being a key global representative for South America in the HYBE system.
- Lexie Levin
- Full Name: Lexie Linnéa Levin
- Nationality: Swedish
- Birthday: August 28, 2004 (Age 21 in 2025)
- Key Fact: Lexie was the second member revealed. She was a contestant on 'Dream Academy' but controversially withdrew after the second mission. Her return to the HYBE x Geffen project is a major talking point, highlighting her unique artistry and the companies' confidence in her potential. She also has Chilean, German, and Russian heritage.
The Strategic Shift: Why a Quartet and Not a Sextet?
The decision to form a four-member group, a quartet, for 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' is a significant departure from the six-member lineup of their first joint venture, KATSEYE. This choice is highly strategic and points to a new direction for the global girl group concept.
A smaller group size allows for a more focused and distinct identity. While KATSEYE embraces the multi-member, high-energy K-Pop standard, a quartet can emphasize individual member strengths and a more intimate, perhaps Western-pop-leaning, sound.
The 'Final Piece' project seems designed to capitalize on the unique, established fanbases of Emily, Samara, and Lexie, who already have a history with the HYBE system but did not debut with the first group. This creates a compelling narrative of a "second chance" or a "dream realized" for the trio. The smaller size inherently amplifies the importance of the yet-to-be-named fourth member, the true 'Final Piece,' whose role will complete the group's dynamic.
Furthermore, the quartet structure may be a deliberate move to differentiate the group from other major K-Pop acts, making them more marketable in regions where smaller pop groups are the norm. This aligns with the goal of HYBE and Universal Music Group's Geffen Records to create a truly global, hybrid pop entity.
The Search for the 'Final Piece': What We Know About the Fourth Member
The biggest mystery surrounding 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' is the identity of the fourth and final member. As of late 2025, the spot remains open, fueling massive speculation across fan communities. The ongoing search is not just a formality; it is the culmination of the project's title and its central narrative.
Reports and fan speculation often suggest the fourth member will be a Japanese trainee. This is a logical assumption, given HYBE’s focus on the Japanese market (through groups like &TEAM) and the strategic importance of a member who can bridge the gap between the K-Pop methodology and the J-Pop market. The inclusion of a member from a key Asian territory would solidify the group's global reach beyond the Americas and Europe, which are already covered by Emily (USA), Samara (Brazil), and Lexie (Sweden).
The process for selecting this member appears to be an intensive "World Scout" audition, a nod to the global nature of the project. This final selection process is expected to be highly publicized, serving as the dramatic climax before the group's official debut. The final member will need to possess a unique skill set—be it a specialized vocal color, a powerful dance ability, or a charismatic stage presence—that perfectly complements the existing trio.
The official group name also remains unannounced, further building anticipation. The name will likely be revealed alongside the final member, cementing the group's identity before their debut, which is currently projected for 2026.
The HYBE x Geffen Vision: A Second Global Girl Group's Destiny
The launch of 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' as a second global girl group so soon after KATSEYE's formation demonstrates the long-term vision of HYBE Corporation and its partnership with Geffen Records. This isn't just a one-off collaboration; it's the establishment of a dual-track system for global idol development.
Under the guidance of HYBE America, led by CEO Scooter Braun, and Geffen Records, under Chairman John Janick, the 'PRELUDE' group is set to benefit from the best of both worlds: the rigorous training and production quality of the K-Pop system (often attributed to HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk's vision) and the extensive marketing and distribution power of a major American label like UMG.
The group’s debut in 2026 will be a crucial test of this model. Fans are eager to see the musical direction, whether it leans more towards K-Pop's intricate choreography and high production values or adopts a more mainstream Western pop sound. With Emily, Samara, and Lexie, the group already has a strong foundation of diverse talent and a built-in narrative that resonates with fans who followed the 'Dream Academy' journey. 'PRELUDE: The Final Piece' is poised to be one of the biggest and most discussed debuts of the next year, solidifying HYBE and Geffen's position as pioneers in the global music market.
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