Lexie Levin Departs Pre-Debut Girl Group Saint Satine
Photo Credit: Lexie Levin / Instagram
by Chris Tremblay Jul 15
4 MIN READ
Lexie Levin, the prominent Swedish musician and former contestant on the survival program The Debut: Dream Academy, has officially left the pre-debut girl group Saint Satine. The announcement, made by labels HYBE and Geffen Records on July 13, 2026, confirmed that Levin and the joint venture have parted ways following what were described as "extensive and thoughtful discussions" regarding the group’s future activities [HxG]. In a statement shared on social media, the labels characterized the split as a mutual decision made after evaluating the alignment of professional goals for both parties.
Levin shared her own perspective with fans, indicating that she and the Saint Satine project had "different ways of operating" that ultimately led to her decision to step back [HxG]. This marks the second time Levin has exited a major HYBE-affiliated project before a final debut, following her previous voluntary withdrawal from the 2023 competition that formed the global group KATSEYE [HxG]. As a skilled songwriter and producer, Levin had been celebrated for her technical musical talents, which many fans expected would serve as a creative cornerstone for Saint Satine's debut.
Saint Satine was originally conceptualized as a "second chance" group for high-performing contestants who did not make the final cut for KATSEYE. The group was first introduced to the public under the project name Prelude: The Final Piece, with the official name "Saint Satine" unveiled alongside their official social channels on April 17, 2026. The initial lineup featured four members representing diverse international backgrounds: Emily Kelavos from the United States, Samara Siqueira from Brazil, Lexie Levin from Sweden, and Tobi Sakura from Japan [HxG].
The group's final member, Tobi Sakura, was selected through the Japanese audition series World Scout: The Final Piece, which concluded in May 2026 [HxG]. The 16-year-old from Toyama, Japan, bested over 14,000 applicants to secure the final spot in the quartet, joining the three established alumni from the Dream Academy program [HxG].
The roots of Saint Satine lie in the 2023 competition The Debut: Dream Academy, a collaborative effort between HYBE and Geffen Records to create a global girl group based on the K-pop training system. While that program successfully launched KATSEYE, it also highlighted the intense pressure faced by young international performers.
Lexie Levin had notably withdrawn from Dream Academy midway through the competition, citing personal reasons and a dislike for the hyper-competitive environment. Her return to a new HYBE-Geffen project was viewed by fans as a triumphant comeback when she was confirmed alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira. Kelavos, a dancer from Texas, had reached the final round of Dream Academy before her elimination, while Siqueira, a vocalist from Brazil, finished in seventh place, narrowly missing the final KATSEYE lineup [HxG].
Levin's departure leaves Saint Satine as a trio—consisting of Kelavos, Siqueira, and Tobi Sakura—unless a replacement is named prior to their debut [HxG]. The undeniable chemistry between the members has been a major selling point for fans who have followed their journey from the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy to their eventual re-grouping in Saint Satine.
The labels have yet to confirm if the group's debut schedule will be delayed following this roster change. However, the commitment to global diversity remains a core tenet of the project, as the group continues to bridge cultural gaps between the United States, Brazil, and Japan [HxG].
The music industry, particularly the high-intensity training environments of K-pop-style global groups, continues to face scrutiny regarding the mental health and autonomy of its performers . Lexie Levin’s decision to step away in favor of her personal creative vision is being viewed by some as an act of self-advocacy . As the industry moves toward more inclusive and affirming environments, the ability of transgender people and other marginalized groups to navigate these systems with agency remains a critical point of discussion for advocates of fair treatment in entertainment .
For Emily, Samara, and Sakura, the road to their 2026 debut continues under the Saint Satine banner . Fans are eagerly awaiting new music from the trio, hoping that the unique blend of international talent will bring a fresh perspective to the global pop scene .
Emily Kelavos (20): Began her professional performance journey at age 14 and is recognized for her technical dance prowess and stage presence [HxG]. Her persistence following the Dream Academy finale has made her a firm fan favorite.
Samara Siqueira (20): Celebrated for her soulful vocal ability [HxG]. Her journey from Brazil to the training centers of HYBE has inspired a massive South American following, reinforcing the group's global appeal.
Tobi Sakura (16): Represents the newest addition to the lineup and the successful outcome of HYBE’s Japanese expansion efforts [HxG]. Her selection highlights the ongoing collaboration between international labels to find and cultivate talent across borders.
The formation of Saint Satine follows the successful blueprint laid out by KATSEYE, which released their debut single in June 2024 and their first EP, SIS , in August 2024 . The success of KATSEYE proved that the hybrid training model—combining K-pop methodology with Western pop sensibilities—was a viable strategy for HYBE and Geffen Records .
As the labels navigate this latest member departure, they face the challenge of maintaining the momentum built during the World Scout audition process . The departure of a member as musically skilled as Lexie Levin may necessitate a pivot in the group’s sound or a new search for a creative lead . Regardless, the resilient spirit of the remaining members suggests that Saint Satine is still poised to make a significant impact on the industry when they finally take the stage .
The Formation of Saint Satine
Saint Satine was originally conceptualized as a "second chance" group for high-performing contestants who did not make the final cut for KATSEYE. The group was first introduced to the public under the project name Prelude: The Final Piece, with the official name "Saint Satine" unveiled alongside their official social channels on April 17, 2026. The initial lineup featured four members representing diverse international backgrounds: Emily Kelavos from the United States, Samara Siqueira from Brazil, Lexie Levin from Sweden, and Tobi Sakura from Japan [HxG].
The group's final member, Tobi Sakura, was selected through the Japanese audition series World Scout: The Final Piece, which concluded in May 2026 [HxG]. The 16-year-old from Toyama, Japan, bested over 14,000 applicants to secure the final spot in the quartet, joining the three established alumni from the Dream Academy program [HxG].
A History of Resilience: The Dream Academy Connection
The roots of Saint Satine lie in the 2023 competition The Debut: Dream Academy, a collaborative effort between HYBE and Geffen Records to create a global girl group based on the K-pop training system. While that program successfully launched KATSEYE, it also highlighted the intense pressure faced by young international performers.
Lexie Levin had notably withdrawn from Dream Academy midway through the competition, citing personal reasons and a dislike for the hyper-competitive environment. Her return to a new HYBE-Geffen project was viewed by fans as a triumphant comeback when she was confirmed alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira. Kelavos, a dancer from Texas, had reached the final round of Dream Academy before her elimination, while Siqueira, a vocalist from Brazil, finished in seventh place, narrowly missing the final KATSEYE lineup [HxG].
Impact on Saint Satine's Future
Levin's departure leaves Saint Satine as a trio—consisting of Kelavos, Siqueira, and Tobi Sakura—unless a replacement is named prior to their debut [HxG]. The undeniable chemistry between the members has been a major selling point for fans who have followed their journey from the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy to their eventual re-grouping in Saint Satine.
The labels have yet to confirm if the group's debut schedule will be delayed following this roster change. However, the commitment to global diversity remains a core tenet of the project, as the group continues to bridge cultural gaps between the United States, Brazil, and Japan [HxG].
Supporting the Artistic Journey
The music industry, particularly the high-intensity training environments of K-pop-style global groups, continues to face scrutiny regarding the mental health and autonomy of its performers . Lexie Levin’s decision to step away in favor of her personal creative vision is being viewed by some as an act of self-advocacy . As the industry moves toward more inclusive and affirming environments, the ability of transgender people and other marginalized groups to navigate these systems with agency remains a critical point of discussion for advocates of fair treatment in entertainment .
For Emily, Samara, and Sakura, the road to their 2026 debut continues under the Saint Satine banner . Fans are eagerly awaiting new music from the trio, hoping that the unique blend of international talent will bring a fresh perspective to the global pop scene .
Profiles of the Remaining Members
Emily Kelavos (20): Began her professional performance journey at age 14 and is recognized for her technical dance prowess and stage presence [HxG]. Her persistence following the Dream Academy finale has made her a firm fan favorite.
Samara Siqueira (20): Celebrated for her soulful vocal ability [HxG]. Her journey from Brazil to the training centers of HYBE has inspired a massive South American following, reinforcing the group's global appeal.
Tobi Sakura (16): Represents the newest addition to the lineup and the successful outcome of HYBE’s Japanese expansion efforts [HxG]. Her selection highlights the ongoing collaboration between international labels to find and cultivate talent across borders.
Industry Context: The Global Girl Group Wave
The formation of Saint Satine follows the successful blueprint laid out by KATSEYE, which released their debut single in June 2024 and their first EP, SIS , in August 2024 . The success of KATSEYE proved that the hybrid training model—combining K-pop methodology with Western pop sensibilities—was a viable strategy for HYBE and Geffen Records .
As the labels navigate this latest member departure, they face the challenge of maintaining the momentum built during the World Scout audition process . The departure of a member as musically skilled as Lexie Levin may necessitate a pivot in the group’s sound or a new search for a creative lead . Regardless, the resilient spirit of the remaining members suggests that Saint Satine is still poised to make a significant impact on the industry when they finally take the stage .
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