Kia and HYBE INDIA Seek the Next Global Music Stars

The Essentials

• Kia India and HYBE INDIA are hosting auditions to find and develop the next global girl group from India.
• On-ground events begin in Guwahati on 2 May 2026, while online applications remain open until 31 July 2026.
• Aspiring artists can record and share performance videos from the Kia Engagement Zone inside the 2026 Kia Syros.

The Pulse

Kia India is now the exclusive automotive partner for HYBE INDIA’s first-ever large-scale auditions to find the next global girl group. This collaboration brings the same training and development expertise that shaped acts like BTS and KATSEYE to the Indian market. The search spans 15 cities, combining physical auditions with a digital application process to reach talent across the country.

If you are wondering how to audition for HYBE in India, the process includes visiting HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Parks or submitting your entry online. These parks serve as cultural hubs where fans can engage with music and fandom. The 2026 Kia Syros is the centrepiece of these activations, featuring a dedicated content creation space for participants.

This partnership reflects a shift in how car brands engage with younger audiences in India. By turning the interior of the Syros into a studio, the brand connects directly with the aspirations of Gen Z creators. The auditions are not just a local talent hunt but a pathway to international opportunities for Indian youth.

The Snapshot

The Big Picture

The Indian music and entertainment landscape is witnessing a massive surge in K-pop influence and global pop aspirations. By partnering with HYBE, Kia India is moving beyond traditional automotive marketing seen from rivals like Hyundai or Maruti Suzuki. This collaboration taps into the “multi-home” strategy, where global entertainment giants localise their talent scouting. For Indian consumers, this represents a rare bridge between local talent and the international music industry, using the 2026 Kia Syros as a literal vehicle for self-expression.

The Inside Intel

The 2026 Kia Syros used in these auditions features a specialised “Kia Engagement Zone”. It is essentially a mobile recording booth designed to produce high-quality, shareable videos instantly. This is part of Kia’s broader strategy to position itself as a “connected car” leader, with over 5 lakh connected vehicles already on Indian roads.

The UDHQ. Take

Unbox Daily HQ. views this as a clever cultural play by Kia India. Instead of just showing a car on a showroom floor, they are placing the 2026 Kia Syros at the heart of a genuine pop-culture moment. For the Indian youth, HYBE is a dream factory, and Kia is making itself the gateway to that dream. It is a bold move that recognises that today’s buyers care as much about digital creativity as they do about engine specifications. If you have been waiting for a platform to showcase your talent, this is a legitimate, professionally backed opportunity that brings global standards to your doorstep.

Best for: Young Indian performers and creators who have global pop aspirations and want a high-tech platform to get noticed.

Who Is This For: Perfect for 18–25 year-old aspiring singers and dancers in major Indian metros who are looking for a breakthrough in the global music industry.

The Checkout

Kia Syros

The Source

Kia India | HYBE INDIA