HYBE Latin America's rookie group SANTOS BRAVOS is pushing boundaries with a hybrid "K-Latin" concept, blending Latin music with K-pop's training system. Less than a year after formation, the five-member group is already gaining global traction, earning nominations at major Latin award shows and appearing on international stages.

Now, they are expanding into Korea. The group will spend about three weeks promoting through music shows and radio, marking their official entry into the K-pop system.

A Global Lineup, One Vision

SANTOS BRAVOS consists of Drew (USA/Mexico), Alejandro (Peru), Kauê (Brazil), Gabi (Puerto Rico), and Kenneth (Mexico). Their diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds form the group's core strength.

The members emphasized unity, saying they aim to represent their respective countries while connecting global audiences through music. Their multilingual approach—mixing Spanish, English, and Portuguese—enhances their international appeal, while K-pop-style training refines their performance quality.

Kauê described the system as "the best training an artist can receive," highlighting the confidence it instilled. Drew added that the group started with 16 trainees and was narrowed down to five over six months, calling it a process of pushing beyond personal limits.

Entering the Korean Market

Their visit to Korea holds symbolic importance. Gabi noted that Korea is HYBE's foundation and a stage they've long aspired to stand on.

Drew shared that they are learning with a "student mindset," receiving guidance from senior HYBE artists such as TWS, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT.

Kenneth expressed gratitude for every moment in Korea and confirmed plans to actively promote through broadcasts and radio. Alejandro also noted how familiar Korean audiences are with Latin music, recalling a moment when fans sang along to a song by Bad Bunny during a radio appearance.

'DUAL': Two Sides of Emotion

The group recently released their first EP, DUAL, a project that introduces their musical identity. The album is built around two contrasting themes—"Santo" (softness) and "Bravo" (intensity)—reflecting emotional duality.

Drew explained that the album aims to capture the full spectrum of human emotion, comparing it to a "rollercoaster."

• "MHM" delivers a smooth Latin pop sound with warm vocals, expressing the tension between excitement and hesitation in love.
• "Velocidade" offers the opposite energy, driven by Brazilian funk and Latin club rhythms, featuring aggressive percussion and heavy bass.

Rapid Global Rise

Despite their short career, SANTOS BRAVOS has achieved notable milestones. Within six months of debut, they performed at Paris Fashion Week and were invited to major music festivals in Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Kenneth recalled their debut showcase in Mexico, where 10,000 seats sold out, calling it an unforgettable moment.

Beyond Results

The group's goal extends beyond achievements. They aim to create music that resonates universally while representing their individual cultures.

Kenneth stated that they see themselves as representatives of their countries and aspire to become a group people can rely on—one that stands as a role model on a global stage.