K-pop competition series "Girls Planet" held open auditions in Los Angeles during the KCON festival on 14–15 August, as producers seek performers for a new all-female group aimed squarely at the US and Western markets. The Aug. 2026 season, "Girls Planet 2027," marks a shift for the franchise: for the first time, CJ ENM, which produces both KCON and "Girls Planet" via its Mnet network, is partnering with US music company Republic Collective to shape the group's sound and image for American audiences.

Chief producer Kim Sinyoung, who has overseen all four seasons of the "Planet" format, said the Republic Collective partnership is the biggest change from previous instalments, with the label set to help promote the winning group and roll out its debut project globally. Viewers will vote to select the group's final line-up, following the format's earlier success in territories such as Thailand and Japan, where it airs on the streaming platform Abema. Kim said auditions now weigh contestants' character and personality as heavily as singing and dancing ability, arguing that star quality depends on more than raw skill.