New HYBE boy group teased as aoen audition clips draw international fans

HYBE released an audition episode featuring a trainee identified as RUKA as part of its aoen project, inviting viewers to apply and take "a step" of their own. The comments filled quickly with early arrivals and international support, with one viewer asking, "How many international fans support Aeon here?" and others waving flags from their home countries. Several commenters read the clip as the debut of something new, with one writing, "New boy group?!!!" and another simply cheering, "New Boy GROUP HELLO ???"

Beyond the audition itself, part of the comment section turned to appeals directed at the agency. One viewer urged, "HYBE please be careful. Protect Katseye, what's happening isn't normal. The death threats against Lara and Yoonchae aren't normal. Protect them," while another pleaded for the company to shield Jungkook from online hate. A few commenters offered lighter suggestions, with one proposing names for the prospective act: "HYBE, I have a group name and a fandom name. Group name is clouds and fandom name is puffs." The remaining reactions were largely timestamp markers, as viewers noted being "early" and part of the "under 1 hour gang."