Seoul, South Korea – A new entertainment company founded by veterans of HYBE, the agency behind global sensation BTS, is launching a worldwide search for the next generation of K-pop stars. RETOPIA SALON announced today it will commence holding auditions in Indonesia on April 30th, seeking members for a new boy group slated to debut in 2027. The initiative marks a significant step for the fledgling company, signaling its ambition to quickly establish itself in the highly competitive K-pop landscape.
The auditions, dubbed “2026 RETOPIA SALON GLOBAL AUDITION: ASIA,” will take place simultaneously at ETERNAL Training Center in Bandung and Jessica STAGE Dance School in Jakarta. RETOPIA SALON is aiming to tap into Indonesia’s vast and enthusiastic fanbase of Korean pop music, a market that has consistently demonstrated strong support for K-pop groups. Indonesia’s vibrant youth culture and growing digital connectivity make it a key location in the global K-pop ecosystem, and a logical starting point for this international talent search.
A New Force in K-Pop
RETOPIA SALON was established by a trio of experienced executives who previously held key positions at HYBE Corporation. CEO Bang Woo Jung previously served as Creative Studio Leader at HYBE Media Studio, whereas CCO Kim Serene was a Vice President at HYBE LABELS JAPAN. COO Park Jun Soo held a role as a Specialist Producer (SP) at HYBE Original Content Studio. Their combined expertise spans artist development, content creation, and international expansion – crucial elements for success in the global music industry.
The company’s formation comes as the K-pop industry continues its global ascent, with groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and Stray Kids consistently breaking records and attracting massive international audiences. However, the industry is also facing increased competition and evolving consumer preferences. RETOPIA SALON aims to differentiate itself by leveraging the experience of its founders and focusing on innovative approaches to artist management and content production.
Who Can Audition?
RETOPIA SALON is seeking applicants born between 2008 and 2014, meaning participants must be between 12 and 18 years old as of April 30, 2026. The audition is open to individuals of all nationalities and genders. Participants can showcase their talents in one of four categories: vocal performance, rap, dance, and acting. This broad range of categories suggests the company is looking for versatile performers who can contribute to a multifaceted group dynamic.
In a statement released today, RETOPIA SALON emphasized its commitment to discovering both talent for its initial boy group project and potential members for future girl groups. “We aim to select the final members for our first boy group scheduled to debut in 2027, while also discovering hidden talents for future girl group projects,” the company said. “We look forward to receiving applications from aspiring global stars.”
Global Audition Plans
Indonesia is just the first stop on RETOPIA SALON’s ambitious global audition tour. The company plans to hold auditions in a total of 18 cities worldwide, including multiple locations across Japan, Thailand, Australia, the United States, and Canada. The planned locations in Japan – Sendai, Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Chiba, and Fukuoka – highlight the importance of the Japanese market to K-pop’s continued growth. Similarly, the inclusion of cities in the United States and Canada reflects the increasing popularity of K-pop among North American audiences.
The extensive audition tour demonstrates RETOPIA SALON’s commitment to a truly global search for talent. By casting a wide net, the company hopes to identify individuals with diverse backgrounds and skillsets, potentially creating a group with broad international appeal. The company has not yet released a detailed schedule for the remaining audition locations, but further information will be available on its official social media channels and through partnerships with local academies. Interested applicants can find more details on RETOPIA SALON’s Instagram page.
Beyond Auditions: Content Production and Past Projects
While artist management is a core focus, RETOPIA SALON is also actively involved in content production. The company has already gained experience in this area through its work on high-profile projects such as BTS member Jin’s YouTube variety show, “Run Jin,” and the Disney+ original series “Are You Sure?!” Season 2, which featured Jimin and Jungkook, also of BTS. The official YouTube channel for “Run Jin” has garnered significant viewership, demonstrating the company’s ability to create engaging content for a global audience.
These projects showcase RETOPIA SALON’s ability to leverage its connections within the K-pop industry and produce content that resonates with fans. This experience will be invaluable as the company prepares to launch its own groups and develop a unique brand identity.
The upcoming auditions in Jakarta and Bandung represent a crucial first step for RETOPIA SALON as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the K-pop industry. The company’s experienced leadership, combined with its ambitious global vision, positions it for potential success in a rapidly evolving market. The next key date for aspiring K-pop stars will be April 30th, when the first auditions take place in Indonesia.
What are your thoughts on RETOPIA SALON’s entry into the K-pop scene? Share your comments below and let us recognize if you plan to audition!
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