▲ A promotional image of Hybe America x AU is shown in this image provided by Hybe America. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

   SEOUL, April 4 (Yonhap) -- K-pop powerhouse Hybe will collaborate with the popular YouTube channel "Alan's Universe" to create a new K-pop group, Hybe said Friday.

   Hybe America has recently signed a partnership with Alan Chikin Chow, the channel's producer, to set up a new label, Hybe America x AU.

   Alan's Universe is a mega-popular YouTube channel with nearly 90 million subscribers. It features a high school drama series centered on love, friendship and coming-of-age themes.

   

   The label will produce content that blends web drama and music. Chow will serve as executive producer and co-CEO, alongside James Shin, president of Hybe America's film and television division, and Scooter Braun, CEO of Hybe America.

   The label will host a global audition for applicants aged 18 to 28 to form the group. Anyone can participate by uploading a video showcasing their singing or dancing on YouTube Shorts using the hashtag #HYBEAMERICAxAU.

   The new group will make its debut through an original series on the channel.

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