▲ Hybe's Latin American boy group Santos Bravos is seen in this photo provided by Hybe Labels. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ Hybe's Latin American boy group Santos Bravos is seen in this photo provided by Hybe Labels. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Santos Bravos-media event

Boy group Santos Bravos says K-pop training taught it discipline, mental endurance

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Hybe's Latin American boy group Santos Bravos said Friday its experience with K-pop's rigorous training program taught it the true meaning of discipline and hard work.

The group, consisting of five members from the United States, Peru, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Mexico, was formed through Hybe Latin America's global survival audition series, "Santos Bravos." It debuted in October last year under the agency after undergoing K-pop-style training as part of Hybe's "multihome, multigenre" strategy.

Fusing the infectious rhythms of Latin pop with K-pop's precision, the group has drawn attention for its fresh, cross-cultural approach to pop since its debut with the single "0%" in Mexico.

During a media event at the Hybe headquarters in Seoul, member Kaue said he was "grateful" to have trained under the K-pop methodology, calling it "the best possible system" for building group synergy.

"The challenge of the K-pop methodology taught us discipline -- how to work, manage our time and keep pushing ourselves," he said. "It helped us understand that we're working not just for ourselves, but for our fans, to become better artists."

Drew recalled the six-month boot camp, which began with 16 trainees and ended with five. "Without that structure, it would've been impossible to form the final lineup," he said. The team practiced every day on a strict schedule, a routine that hadn't previously existed in Latin music. It helped the members grow "physically and mentally," he added.

Kenneth said the most important lesson he learned from the K-pop methodology was "if you work hard, you can achieve anything," and that is what Santos Bravos wants to tell the world.

The quintet arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a three-week stay to promote "Dual," its first EP released last month, marking its first trip to Korea since its debut. Its schedules include appearances on television K-pop chart programs and radio programs.

The six-track EP, which blends reggaeton, Brazilian funk and club sounds, captures the band's duality -- lighthearted boyish charm paired with fierce and instinctive energy.

"'Dual' was a very special project for us, not only because it's our first EP, but also because it was a chance to present our music and art to the world. And it shows how versatile we can be as artists," Kaue said.

Asked how audiences in Latin America view it, Gabi said the group is still going through a process of being understood as it merges Latin rhythms with K-pop elements. It is new, but the support from fans has been amazing, he added.

Looking ahead, Alejandro said the group dreams of performing on major stages in each member's home country.

To achieve this goal, Gabi said, promoting the EP in Korea carries special meaning. "Rather than being known only in Latin America, our goal is to reach audiences around the world," he said. "We've been working very hard for this, and we want fans here in Korea to accept us as well."

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