Photo Credit: BigHit Music

BTS label BigHit Music launches a 2026 global audition for aspiring male K-pop artists born in 2008 or later to form the next big boy band sensation.

Hybe subsidiary and BTS label BigHit Music has announced the launch of a global audition for aspiring male K-pop artists looking to become the next major boy band sensation. The label is accepting applications through December 5 and holding walk-in auditions across 15 cities worldwide.

Online applications for the 2026 BigHit Music Global Audition are open now through December 5, while offline (in-person) applications will be held from October 3 to December 5 across 15 cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Jakarta, Taipei, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Singapore. No advance registration is required.

The audition is open to male performers born in 2008 or later, regardless of nationality or place of residence, and applicants can showcase their talent and individuality in any way they choose.

“We welcome all applicants who are pursuing their dreams,” the label said. “We encourage active participation from talented individuals who can demonstrate their unique individuality and abilities across various fields.”

The news arrives amid a broader search of talent across the K-pop business, including Hybe’s nationwide talent search in India to assemble a new girl group, announced on March 31. The company accepted applications through July 31 from girls born between 2005 and 2011.

Meanwhile, Retopia Salon, a company formed by ex-Hybe executives, announced auditions in April across 18 cities for a boy group it hopes to debut next year. Hybe rival SM Entertainment also announced global auditions across 21 cities.

Hybe has been busy exporting its artist training and development model used for global megastar group BTS into other markets. Katseye was its first Western girl group, assembled alongside Universal Music Group’s Geffen Records through the Dream Academy audition. Five-piece boy band CORTIS, the label’s first such group in six years, debuted in August last year.

The push to form new K-pop groups comes on the heels of BTS’ triumphant return this year following its members’ mandatory South Korean military service. The group’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, ranked #1 in U.S. vinyl and CD album sales in the first half of the year, according to Luminate data.