HYBE’s Latin boy band Santos Bravos looks to BTS, Bad Bunny with K-pop playbook

From Koreajoongangdaily Joins News

Boy band Santos Bravos poses for photos ahead of a press conference held at HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on April 10. [HYBE] K-pop powerhouse HYBE’s first Latin boy band Santos Bravos landed in Korea — the birthplace of a production system that helped shape them into the artists they are today. “We’re the first Latin pop group coming from HYBE — that’s a lot of weight to carry,” member Gabi admitted with a laugh during a press conference held at HYBE’s headquarters in central Seoul on Friday. Related Article HYBE's Latin American label S1ENTO Records signs first three acts Daddy Yankee of 'Despacito' fame joins HYBE Latin America BTS to perform in five Latin American countries in October as part of 'Arirang' tour HYBE to select its first Latin American band on competition show starting next month “But we’re trying for this group to be not only be known in Latin America but all over the world,” he continued. “We think Korea is a market that is very important to us, because it’s where HYBE was born.” Formed through the audition program “Santos Bravos” (2025) and managed by HYBE Latin America, Santos Bravos debuted in October last year with single “0%.” The five-member act consists of Drew, a Mexican American, Alejandro from Peru, Gabi from Puerto Rico, Kauê from Brazil and Kenneth from Mexico. Album cover of ′′Dual,′′ the first EP by Santos Bravos [HYBE LATIN AMERICA] Friday’s press event marked Santos Bravos’ first official visit to Korea, where the group is set to promote its first EP, “Dual,” released in March. The members will appear on Korean television and radio programs, including weekly music shows. “Dual” features six songs: the lead tracks “MHM” and “Velocidade,” along with “0%,” “Wow,” “Kawasaki” and “FE.” “’Dual’ is a very special project to us not only because it’s our first EP, but also because it presents our music and art to the world,” said Kauê. “It shows how versatile we can be as artists.” Leader Drew said that the rookies — now six months into their careers — are eager to learn from K-pop acts during their stay in Seoul. “We’re so excited to be here as it is our first time in Korea, and most definitely that comes with learning from our big brothers, sunbaenims ,” said Drew, using the Korean word meaning seniors. “We cannot wait to be doing challenges [with them], as we were so inspired by many groups — Cortis, obviously BTS, Le Sserafim and many more.” Boy band Santos Bravos poses for photos ahead of a press conference held at HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on April 10. [HYBE] As Santos Bravos serves as a key project for HYBE’s “multi-home, multi-genre” initiative, aiming to expand the K-pop production model into other markets, the members said that the rigorous artist training system that defines K-pop played a key role in shaping them. “The artist development training program that we went through was very tough, but it pushed us mentally in the best possible way,” said Drew, noting that the K-pop methodology of the trainee system helped them build their perseverance and a sense of teamwork. Positioned at the intersection of Latin American culture and the K-pop production system, the group said it hopes to become a strong representation of its own culture — much like Bad Bunny. “He, without a doubt, is an inspiration for all of us,” Gabi said of the Puerto Rican superstar, referring him as “representing Latin music in ways that are so difficult to reach.” Expressing that he loved the Puerto Rican singer’s recent performance at Super Bowl halftime show in February, Gabi said, “We’re working very hard to hopefully do a little of the impact that he has done in Latin America.” BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]