YG Entertainment Launches '2026 YG Global Audition,' Its First Major Talent Search in Two Years

YG Entertainment has launched its “2026 YG Global Audition,” the agency’s first large-scale worldwide talent search in two years. The initiative aims to discover the next generation of K-pop artists to follow in the footsteps of groups like BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, and TREASURE. Announced on July 22, the audition process runs from July through December.
Applicants born between 2008 and 2015 are eligible to take part, and can showcase their talent in one of six categories: singing, rapping, dancing, visual, acting, or a special skill.
The global tour kicked off on July 19 in Beijing, with further Chinese stops in Chengdu (July 25), Shanghai (August 1), and Shenzhen (August 9). In Japan, auditions are set for Tokyo (August 9) and Osaka (September 20). From October to December, YG plans to expand to the USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions, opening the door to talent from a wide range of backgrounds.