Big Hit will establish a joint venture in Los Angeles with Geffen Records, a record label under Universal Music Group. The plan is to broadcast an audition program targeting 2022, in partnership with U.S. media, to select members for the new boy group.

Big Hit will be responsible for discovering and nurturing artists, producing fan content, and communicating with fans through the app "Weverse" operated by its subsidiary. Universal Music Group will handle music production, global distribution, and the production of the audition program, leveraging its local network.

While K-pop artists based overseas have primarily focused on Asia until now, this initiative aims to create a new group using the K-pop system in the United States for the first time, targeting global activities.

Yoon Seok-jun, CEO of Big Hit's global division, stated, "You will witness the birth process of an unprecedented group." He added, "It is highly significant that Big Hit is applying the success formula it has established over 16 years to the global market, specifically in the United States, the center of the world's music scene." Regarding the collaboration with Universal Music Group, he said, "This is a new challenge for both companies. It goes beyond corporate cooperation and industrial integration; it is about connecting cultures."

Additionally, plans for Universal Music Group's artists to utilize Weverse were announced. Artists such as Gracie Abrams, New Hope Club, and Alexander 23 have already opened communities on Weverse, and many more artists are expected to join in the future.

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