🎬 Behind the Scenes: Kpop Nonstop Films for HYBE America’s Global Audition
In early 2022, Kpop Nonstop was invited by HYBE America to assist with a crucial part of the casting process for Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, which later aired as part of Netflix’s The Debut: Dream Academy. Our mission: to film a refreshed audition video for Lexie, a promising 19‑year‑old from Sweden.
Photo Credit: HYBE x Geffen Records
A Custom Request from HYBE’s Casting Team
The request first came from Son Sung-deuk (손성득) — legendary choreographer, former performance director for BTS, and now Executive Creator at HYBE America. He connected us with Zachary “Keymo” Keomysay, Casting Manager at HYBE America, who provided the production brief.
The mission: to re-film a new audition clip for Lexie, a 19-year-old contestant from Sweden, following HYBE’s official filming guidelines — ensuring the video could clearly highlight Lexie’s performance, presence, and potential.
Lexie would go on to be one of the final contestants in The Debut: Dream Academy, the Netflix documentary that followed the formation of the global girl group KATSEYE. Though she withdrew after Mission 2, she remains one of the most memorable contestants from the show.
🎥 A Studio Day with Global Purpose
The filming took place at Kpop Nonstop (located at Fryshuset) in Stockholm. Our Creative Director, Claudia Rios, coordinated and produced the entire shoot — including studio setup, lighting, and camera work — following HYBE’s specific guidelines. She was supported on site by Cherie Sabrie, Artistic Director and Lead Instructor at Kpop Nonstop, who assisted during the session and ensured everything ran smoothly.
“We ensured the setup aligned with HYBE’s requirements for natural lighting and clear visuals. It was a focused, professional session where our goal was to support both the artist and the production vision.”
– Claudia Rios, Creative Director
This involved swift coordination, confidentiality, and high production standards — hallmarks of Kpop Nonstop’s work ethic.
🌍 From Stockholm to the Global Stage
Lexie, 19, auditioned on Dream Academy and reached the top 20 before choosing to withdraw after Mission 2 — a decision she shared in a heartfelt public statement. She later appeared in the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, making a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
Although she didn’t debut with KATSEYE, the global girl group formed from the show, her journey — including this audition shoot — remains a powerful example of talent crossing borders.
Photo Credit: HYBE x Geffen Records
Why This Matters
We’re proud to have contributed to Lexie’s audition process and to support HYBE’s global talent search — all from our dance studio in Stockholm. This experience affirms our commitment to international standards, artistic development, and world-wide collaboration.
#HYBEAmerica #Netflix #KATSEYE #GlobalAudition #PopStarAcademy #DreamAcademy #KpopNonstop #KDancebyKNS #KpopAudition #KpopDance #StockholmDanceStudio
Disclaimer
This project was carried out on behalf of HYBE America. We have received official permission to include this collaboration in our professional portfolio.
All images used in this article are official press assets made publicly available by HYBE or Netflix. They are included here solely for non-commercial, editorial, and documentation purposes in line with our portfolio use. If you represent HYBE and have any questions or concerns regarding this content, please contact us and we will respond promptly.