K-Pop Boy Group SANTOS BRAVOS, Featuring Latin Flair, Makes Korean Debut

The K-pop-based boy group SANTOS BRAVOS, produced by HYBE Latin America, made its debut on a Korean Music Show in April. Designed as a globally localized idol group that merges Latin pop aesthetics with K-pop idol training, it consists of five members from Latin America, the United States, and Spain, with no Korean members.

SANTOS BRAVOS was selected through a Latin American television series. Seventeen contestants from across Latin America, the United States, and Spain competed to advance to the final five. The five chosen members now perform by combining HYBE’s K-pop idol training programs with cultural and artistic influences from Latin America.

The members include Drew (Andrew Joseph Venegas), Alejandro (Alejandro Aramburú Senno), Kauê (Kauê Penna Forte), and Gabi (Alejandro Gabriel Bermúdez López). Drew, a Mexican-American born on January 22 in California, serves as the Leader, main dancer, and choreographer. Alejandro, born on April 17 in Lima, Peru, is the main vocalist. Kauê, born on October 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, handles lead vocals and rap. Gabi, born on June 15 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the lead dancer and backup vocalist.

The members have stated that they developed their dreams by watching BTS. Kauê said, “BTS has had a huge influence on us. I’ve been a BTS fan since 2014 and have listened to and studied their music for a long time.” During appearances on Korean radio shows, the members emphasized their identity as a K-pop-based global group.

HYBE has already demonstrated the potential of multinational idol projects through its global girl group KATSEYE in 2024. KATSEYE achieved success with singles “GABRIELLA” and “NALLY,” earning nominations for Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards and the 2026 American Music Awards. Its latest song, “PINKY UP,” has performed well in the international music market, reaching position 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and position 14 on the UK Official Singles Top 100. SANTOS BRAVOS serves as another example of how K-pop’s production expertise can be applied and further developed in music markets across different regions.