[OSENWORLD] HYBE’s first-ever “K-style” audition program for the Latin music market is generating buzz across North and Latin America, blending local tradition with global-scale production. Pase a la Fama — Spanish for “Step Toward Fame” — has quickly captured the hearts of young audiences in the U.S. and Latin America, marking another successful chapter in the company’s worldwide expansion strategy.
According to HYBE Latin America, as of August 13, content posted on the show’s official TikTok account has generated 4.2 billion impressions, with more than 23 million video views and 220,000 followers — quadrupling in just four weeks since its June 8 premiere. Roughly 70% of its followers are aged 18–34, underscoring its strong foothold among younger viewers.
The momentum extends to traditional TV. The premiere episode, airing on U.S. Spanish-language network Telemundo, ranked No. 1 in its time slot among Spanish-language programs (per Nielsen ratings), attracting an average of 200,000 adults 18–49 and 688,000 total viewers. Praise for the contestants’ skill, authenticity, and the show’s high production value has quickly spread across social media, fueling further buzz.
International media outlets — including Billboard, Deadline Hollywood, and El Heraldo de México — have highlighted the show’s originality and HYBE’s strategic vision, citing its potential to bring Mexican music to the global stage.
“This project marries local culture with a global perspective, opening a new future for Latin music,” said Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE America, crediting HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s global vision as a guiding force.
“Our goal was to respect the richness of traditional Mexican music while raising the production to HYBE’s global standards. Every detail was designed to tell an authentic story and connect with audiences across borders,” said executive producer Myrna Perez.
Co-produced by HYBE Latin America and Telemundo, Pase a la Fama follows 55 skilled musicians through an artist camp, competitive stages, and intensive training as they vie for a debut in a Latin band. Legendary figures in Mexican music bring star power to the judging panel, including iconic singer-actress Ana Bárbara, genre-blending artist Adriel Favela, and Edgar Barrera, a 21-time Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winner. Each offers contestants deep, nuanced feedback that resonates with audiences.
The season finale airs August 24, with the winning act earning $100,000 and a recording contract with HYBE Latin America. True to its name, the show aims to be a “step toward fame” for emerging artists, with anticipation peaking as the finale approaches.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
