YG Entertainment has been a major player in the K-pop industry. This year, the company has launched an audition named “2026 YG SPECIAL AUDITION: GO! DEBUT.” This isn’t another routine talent search. But it’s YG’s first special audition in 30 years to find the next generation of global stars. Are you dreaming of becoming a global star who rules the stage? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 YG Entertainment Special Audition.
YG Entertainment: “2026 YG SPECIAL AUDITION: GO! DEBUT”
In the 90s, YG was one of the Big 3 companies that shaping modern K-pop alongside SM and JYP, producing many stars since. The company was home to K-pop legends like SEVEN (SE7EN), BIG BANG, 2NE1, iKON, Lee Hi, PSY, and AKMU. They have also formed other top K-pop groups, including WINNER, iKON, BLACKPINK, Treasure, and BABYMONSTER.
YG Entertainment’s 2026 Special Audition
According to the official audition page and FAQ, “2026 YG SPECIAL AUDITION: GO! DEBUT” runs these rules:
Application Period
- January 21 – February 28, 2026 (KST). YG is creating real opportunities for aspiring artists and talented youth to walk on their path to be the next K-pop stars.
Eligibility
- Anyone born between 2007 and 2015, regardless of gender or nationality, can apply. Applicants under 14 must obtain parental consent.
Category for First Round (Choose one category only):
- Vocal / Rap / Dance / Visual Appeal/ Natural Talent
Submission
- Candidates must submit a video under one minute. In this video, you should showcase your talent in one of five categories: singing, rap, dance, visuals, or natural talent.
- For visual or talent categories, YG suggests submitting materials that clearly show both face and full body.
How to Apply
- Applications are submitted via the official YG Audition website or QR code on promotional posters.
Review Process
- Yang Hyun-suk, YG’s founder and chief producer, will participate in the entire judging process. He was also involved in supervising the debuts of major groups, including Big Bang, 2NE1, Winner, and BabyMonster.
Audition Format (First Round)
- The first round audition will be conducted online.
Result Announcement
- If you’re selected, you will be contacted individually via email within approximately 2–4 weeks.
A Legacy Built on Bold Choices
In the late 1990s, the Korean music industry was dominated by ballads, traditional pop, and K-pop groups with a gentle and polished image. At that time, while other entertainment companies focused on ballads and traditional pop, YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk focused on hip-hop, a genre considered niche, even risky, in late-1990s Korea.
However, the company hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. From 2NE1’s disbandment in 2016 and BIGBANG members (G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung), which truly felt like the end of an era. Then, although BLACKPINK members’ departure in late 2023 definitely raised questions about the company’s future.
Check out YG’s history page, which maps its eras through debuts and major milestones, below:
- 1996: Keep Six
- 1997: Jinusean
- 1998: 1TYM
- 2003: Se7en, Big Mama, Gummy (and more)
- 2006: BIGBANG
- 2009: 2NE1 (disbanded in 2016)
- 2014: WINNER, AKMU
- 2015: iKON (left YG in 2023)
- 2016: BLACKPINK (and SECHSKIES listed that year)
- 2020: TREASURE
- 2024: BABYMONSTER
This impressive lineup highlights YG’s influence. They produced many popular artists who conquered multiple charts and became cultural icons.
After launching their youngest girl group in 2024, YG is now hunting for the next generation. The “2026 YG Special Audition GO! DEBUT” marks their first major audition in 30 years and a new chapter in the company’s story.
The Cracks Are Showing
The disbandment of 2NE1 in 2016 marked the beginning of a major shift. BIGBANG members—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung—gradually left the company through early January 2024, signaling the end of an era and setting the stage for change.
While remaining under YG Entertainment for group activities, BLACKPINK members launched their own agency for solo work in late 2023. Its shows that their biggest acts don’t stick around anymore. This intensified scrutiny over the company’s ability to retain its top talent.
YG’s current active groups:
- BLACKPINK
- BABYMONSTER
- TREASURE
- WINNER
YG Entertainment’s special audition in 2026 becomes a moment of reflection and renewal for an entertainment company that consistently bets on innovation. Notably, they’re searching for the next generation that will define global K-pop for the next three decades: artists with personality, not only technical skill; individuals who are willing to take risks, not just follow trends.
The Road Ahead
The “2026 YG Special Audition GO! DEBUT” shows that Yang Hyun-suk isn’t looking back. He focuses on the future, searching for the artists who will define the next era of K-pop.
For YG Entertainment, the 2026 audition isn’t only about finding new artists. It’s about proving that their creativity and bold vision remain unmatched.
And for anyone with a dream, your next chapter is waiting to be written. “GO! DEBUT is calling.
Think you’d make it? Tell us in the comments what your audition song would be? (Or share this with someone who should audition.)
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