Netflix Opens Girl Group Auditions for Arts High Schoolers With SM C&C Backing

Netflix posted a recruitment notice for We Go High on its YouTube channel on the 21st, opening applications for a girl group audition aimed at arts high school students. The project is meant to end in a debut, with Netflix involved at every stage.

According to the announcement, Netflix will handle participant recruitment, audition support, program production and the girl group's debut. SM C&C is backing the project, and Netflix recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the company to support whichever group emerges from the show. The source did not say when the show will air or when the group might debut.

Who can apply

Applicants must be first- or second-year students at high schools with an arts or broadcasting-related department, or students who are due to enroll next year. Full details are posted on Netflix's social media accounts.

The directors behind it

The show will be directed by Park Jin-kyung and Lee Jae-seok, both formerly of MBC. They are known for hit variety shows including Infinite Challenge and My Little Television, so the pairing signals a format built on personality and character rather than a straight competition.

A representative said the production will capture "the pure passion of arts high school students who dream of running toward a wider world," and asked viewers to look forward to an expanded K-pop fandom.

The early indicator to track is the applicant pool. Restricting entry to arts high schools narrows the field but also targets students who already train, so a strong turnout after the first few weeks of recruitment would suggest the format has legs. If that holds, expect Netflix to announce a premiere window before the end of the year.