After helping shape global girl groups Fifth Harmony and KATSEYE, casting director Michelle Chong is turning her attention to India. She is leading the global audition campaign for HYBE INDIA’s upcoming girl group, searching for young performers who could take Indian talent to international audiences.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Chong discussed the qualities she hopes to find, the potential of Indian performers and the lessons she is bringing from her previous casting projects. Her approach suggests that HYBE is not simply looking for polished singers and dancers, but artists with individuality, stage presence and room to grow.
Chong was involved in the development of KATSEYE through The Debut: Dream Academy, the global talent competition created by HYBE and Geffen Records. She has also worked on projects connected to The X Factor, America’s Got Talent and girl group Fifth Harmony.
What Is HYBE INDIA Looking For?
According to Chong, the Indian search places considerable importance on potential rather than expecting every auditioning performer to arrive fully trained.
“What sets this search apart is the emphasis on potential, individuality and star quality, rather than simply looking for performers who are already fully developed,” she said.
She explained that casting involves looking beyond technical ability to identify qualities such as emotional expression, stage presence and the ability to connect with an audience. How a performer responds to feedback, learns new skills and develops confidence can also influence whether they have the foundation for a long-term career.
The audition campaign has attracted applicants from across India and the Indian diaspora. HYBE INDIA’s expanded Final Call initiative extended its on-ground search to additional cities, reflecting the company’s effort to discover performers beyond traditional entertainment hubs.
Why India Could Offer Something Different
Chong believes India’s cultural and musical diversity could help the group develop an identity that feels distinct in the global pop landscape. With performers potentially bringing different languages, regional influences and personal experiences, the group could offer a wider range of perspectives than a conventional pop act.
“I don’t believe global appeal means trying to be everything to everyone,” she said, explaining that artists who remain comfortable with their own identities can connect meaningfully with audiences across cultures.
That philosophy is important as international pop companies increasingly look beyond their home markets to develop artists for global audiences. Rather than simply reproducing a successful formula, HYBE INDIA has the opportunity to build a group shaped by the performers it discovers locally.
KATSEYE’s Lessons and the Road Ahead
Chong said one of the biggest lessons from KATSEYE’s development was the importance of looking beyond a single audition. A brief performance may reveal talent, but it cannot fully show an individual’s adaptability, work ethic or ability to evolve.
The India project will therefore involve identifying potential as well as considering how performers might develop through training and mentorship. Auditioning does not guarantee selection, and the eventual group’s members have not been announced.
For HYBE, the challenge is to combine its established artist-development experience with India’s own creative identity. For aspiring performers, the search represents an opportunity to enter a system designed to prepare artists for audiences beyond their home market.
The next global girl group from HYBE INDIA will ultimately need more than strong vocals and choreography. Chong’s comments make clear that individuality, authenticity and the ability to grow could be just as important in deciding who makes the final lineup.
