The lineup includes former contestants from The Debut: Dream Academy, Emily, Samara, and Lexie, who were widely recognized in the survival program. Industry rumors suggest that a future survival show will select the final member of the group.
On August 29 (KST), an official intro film was released. It featured the confirmed members and hinted at the group’s concept. While the announcement attracted interest, it also reignited discussions about HYBE’s strategy after the recent debut of KATSEYE, a girl group formed through the same Dream Academy competition.
This is no hate to the girls bc I do think they deserve it but why is Hybe X Geffen already making a new girl group when Katseye is relatively new. Should be focusing on them. pic.twitter.com/ztoS3Sg0Lq
— Sophie 🇵🇸 (@HOE_PHIE) August 26, 2025
Many KATSEYE fans questioned the need for another survival program. They argued that bringing in eliminated contestants for a different HYBE project undermines the original show’s purpose. Frustration intensified when KATSEYE’s official account retweeted PRELUDE’s promotional video, which some fans saw as an awkward attempt at cross-promotion.
we are so proud of our girls. this is just the beginning of something amazing 🖤 https://t.co/RwaRio0TAE
— KATSEYE (@katseyeworld) August 28, 2025
The backlash was quick. Netizens criticized HYBE and the social media team for involving KATSEYE in promoting another group while its members are still beginning their careers. Some were also disappointed that KATSEYE, who worked hard to earn their spot through months of competition and public voting, seemed to be used to generate interest in a new project.
now why are they using katseye to promote this group https://t.co/Lwo8HVbFGV pic.twitter.com/UJCLgHdYHZ
— cay (@koralinadean) August 28, 2025
Bitch you guys are finally going a sliver mainstream and your label already trying to give you in-house competition. The fuck is that
— Basically Hollywood (@Basic_Hollywood) August 28, 2025
The criticism also targeted the group’s lineup. Concerns arose about Samara, who faced allegations of racism during the survival program. Fans questioned why HYBE chose to include her in a new team despite ongoing controversies.
Katseye is nice enough to congratulate them, while Samara never liked any of them from the start. She never liked Manon because she saw her as a threat, never liked Lara because she’s Indian, and now there’s this issue with Megan too. Mind you Megan barely touched her face 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/JSNLXrxgrV
— CULTURE ♡⋆. (@Eilishlifestyle) August 28, 2025
Wdym hybe and geffen chose the person racist against Indians over the amazingly talented Indian girl Ezrela. Like yall could have done alotttt of marketing with the whole Lexrela thing since they somehow managed to bring lexie back pic.twitter.com/tRdgEp0Vva
— Stella brown (@TheeStellaBrown) August 29, 2025
Overall, the response illustrates the growing tension between HYBE’s push for expansion and fans’ worries about fairness, respect, and timing. While some netizens are excited about PRELUDE: The Final Piece and look forward to the survival show, others are doubtful about the company’s approach to its global girl group projects.
Currently, HYBE has not provided more details about the survival show format or addressed the concerns raised by KATSEYE supporters.
