YG Hosts Global Auditions for First Time in 2 Years, Touring 12 Regions

YG Entertainment is launching a large-scale global audition to discover the next generation of K-pop stars. Taking place under the name “2026 YG GLOBAL AUDITION,” this audition series will run from July to December, marking its first iteration in approximately two years.

The audition already concluded its first stop successfully on the 19th in Beijing, China. Subsequent locations include Chengdu (July 25th), Shanghai (August 1st), Shenzhen (August 9th), Tokyo (August 9th), and Osaka (September 20th). In October, the event will go to the United States, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, followed by stops in Thailand and Canada in November, and Australia and New Zealand in December, allowing organizers to meet applicants from around the world directly.

Anyone born between 2008 and 2015, regardless of gender or nationality, is eligible to apply. In addition to the traditional categories of vocals, rap, dance, and Visual, the audition now also includes acting and special skills, giving participants the option to choose the area they are most confident in.

Applications can be submitted either through pre-registration or on-site. Specific details such as audition locations and schedules will be released sequentially via YG’s official audition website and social media channels. Pre-registrations are also possible using QR codes included on posters for each city.

YG’s decision to expand the scale of these auditions stems from the need to secure new talent to maintain competitiveness in the global K-pop market. The company has previously produced iconic global K-pop artists such as BIGBANG, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, WINNER, iKON, TREASURE, and BABYMONSTER. With its robust in-house production system and proven training expertise in discovering numerous stars, significant attention is being paid to this latest global audition campaign.