【ABEMA】The Tumultuous American Arc Begins! ILLIT's IROHA Reflects on Grueling Training Days: "I Almost Cried and Hyperventilated..." | "WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE" #6
The latest episode of HYBE x Geffen Records' audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' on ABEMA features contestants arriving in Los Angeles for the American leg of the competition. They face intense training and harsh critiques from world-class coaches, with some trainees struggling to keep up and experiencing emotional distress. ILLIT's IROHA shares her past experiences with similar pressures.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 09:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 19:27 (369h 51m after Collected)
The new future TV 'ABEMA' broadcast episode #5 of the audition program 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' by HYBE × Geffen Records, which discovers Japan's top talent for a global debut in 2026, for free on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 8 PM, with free missed-viewing distribution starting after the broadcast.
■ What is 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE'?
'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' is a scout project by HYBE × Geffen Records, which is making a full-scale entry into the global market by joining forces with HYBE, which has produced many global artists including BTS, and Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies. In this project, top scout teams from HYBE × Geffen Records will visit Japan with the goal of a global debut in 2026, conducting a large-scale audition targeting the entire country of Japan. Together with Emily, Lexie, and Samara, who participated as trainees in 'The Debut: Dream Academy,' they will discover 'a single artist' in Japan who will become the final member of a new global girl group to debut from HYBE × Geffen Records.
The studio cast for this project includes Rino Sashihara, as well as SAKURA and KAZUHA, members of the globally active five-member girl group LE SSERAFIM from SOURCE MUSIC under HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS, and MOKA and IROHA, members of the five-member girl group ILLIT from BELIFT LAB under HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS. This豪華 cast will watch over the growth and decision-making moments of the participants who are challenging themselves for their dreams.
In episode #6, broadcast on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, HIORI, AYANA, SAKURA, and AOI, who successfully passed the third round of auditions, land in Los Angeles, USA. The group begins living together in luxurious accommodation, but on the very first day, HIORI develops a fever. Subsequently, they have their first meeting with Emily, Lexie, and Samara. Here, they are given the final mission to 'master two English songs within one month until the final evaluation,' and the original challenge songs for the final evaluation, 'PARTY b4 the PARTY' and 'WE RIDE,' are announced.
Furthermore, the world-class coaches selected by HYBE × Geffen Records to mentor the candidates in America also arrive. Nicky Paramore, a dance coach and dancer for Britney Spears and Beyoncé, delivers a harsh critique: "I was surprised when I saw your third-round videos, in a bad way. They weren't good at all." She urges them, "Show me 10 times the power you have right now." Martha Ishihara, a dance coach and dancer for Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, also advises, "You may have done well in Japan, but coming to America requires a mental switch. If you lose in spirit, you won't succeed. Please enjoy yourselves."
In the studio, SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM) recalls, "On the first day of practice, KAZUHA cried because she couldn't communicate," and comments, "I think there are parts where you feel frustrated by language." KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM) also offers encouragement, "I hope you don't get discouraged and do your best." MOKA (ILLIT) further shares her past experience: "When I first came to Korea before our debut, I couldn't speak at all. Iroha-chan had been in Korea since she was little, and the other Japanese people around me were good at Korean... I felt pressure and thought I was being left behind." She adds, "But I had no choice but to do it; if I didn't, I couldn't talk to anyone."
Lessons finally begin. This time, they are divided into two teams: AYANA and HIORI, who have dance experience, and AOI and SAKURA, who have no prior experience in singing or dancing. However, HIORI is absent from practice due to a fever. AYANA, with 10 years of dance experience, smoothly picks up the choreography and receives praise from dance coach Presley Tucker: "If you have this much detail at this stage, you might not need to worry. I'm very happy."
Later, on the third day of lessons, HIORI finally recovers. She strives to catch up on the lessons she missed but expresses her anxiety: "I was surprised at myself for not being able to do it as well as I expected. AYANA was perfectly mimicking the instructor's movements, and I wondered why I couldn't do it..."
Furthermore, the singing and dance novice team of AOI and SAKURA is pointed out for their slow progress. Amidst an uneasy atmosphere, dance coach Nicky Paramore, who had previously given them a stern warning of "not good at all" on the first day of practice, appears. This causes the studio members to exclaim, "This is bad!" and "At this timing?" Following Nicky Paramore's instructions, the two perform the dance three consecutive times. Despite experiencing hyperventilation midway, they showcase their current abilities. Dance coach Presley Tucker, who has observed their dancing so far, states, "These three times were the best I've seen today. Why didn't you try your hardest until she showed up? Honestly, I'm a bit angry and frustrated."
Witnessing the tense situation, which was even more intense than the auditions in Japan, IROHA (ILLIT) in the studio shares her experience: "I also remember dancing while crying and almost hyperventilating when I was told, 'Why can't you give it your all?' even though I felt I was doing my best. But when I watched the video, the last performance was the best. I realized that if I overcome the hardship, I can deliver a better performance."
Towards the end of the program, it is revealed that HIORI's condition, which was thought to have fully recovered, has worsened again. HIORI herself expresses her anxiety, "I'm worried if I'm okay in many ways..." Next week, in episode #7, airing on Tuesday, April 7, at 8 PM, dance coaches will deliver even harsher critiques such as "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation"...!?
'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' #6 is currently available for free missed-viewing on 'ABEMA.' Please take a look.
■ ABEMA 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Program Overview
*When using images, please include the credit notation: (C)AbemaTV, Inc.
#6 Broadcast Date & Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 8:00 PM~ (Broadcast every Tuesday at 8:00 PM)
#6 Part 1 Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/90-2039_s1_p160
#6 Part 2 Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/90-2039_s1_p161
#7 Broadcast Date & Time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 8:00 PM~
Studio Cast:
Rino Sashihara
Hikorohie
SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM)
KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM)
MOKA (ILLIT)
IROHA (ILLIT)
■ About ABEMA
'ABEMA,' celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, is a video distribution service aiming for television innovation and developing as 'new future TV.' Since its launch, it has operated as an internet television service that can be enjoyed for free and without registration, offering approximately 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a news-only channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, all pursuing 'highest quality or uniqueness.'
In addition to having the largest number of original episodes among Japanese video services (as of March 2026, self-researched), it offers a rich lineup of highly anticipated new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Users can enjoy content anytime, regardless of time, through TV or on-demand viewing. Furthermore, through a viewing experience that is not bound by location on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, it continues to provide content that aligns with diverse lifestyles.
'ABEMA Premium,' available for ¥1,180 per month (tax included), offers exclusive features and content. 'ABEMA Premium with Ads,' for ¥680 per month (tax included), allows viewing of 'ABEMA Premium' exclusive content with advertisements.
Latest information can be found on official social media.
'ABEMA' (https://abema.tv/), a new future TV for enjoying free videos and trending content.
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, 'ABEMA' will be rolling out various campaigns throughout the year, including special program broadcasts and the 'ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival.' Please look forward to 'ABEMA's' 10th anniversary.
'ABEMA' 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/
■ What is 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE'?
'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' is a scout project by HYBE × Geffen Records, which is making a full-scale entry into the global market by joining forces with HYBE, which has produced many global artists including BTS, and Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, one of the world's largest music companies. In this project, top scout teams from HYBE × Geffen Records will visit Japan with the goal of a global debut in 2026, conducting a large-scale audition targeting the entire country of Japan. Together with Emily, Lexie, and Samara, who participated as trainees in 'The Debut: Dream Academy,' they will discover 'a single artist' in Japan who will become the final member of a new global girl group to debut from HYBE × Geffen Records.
The studio cast for this project includes Rino Sashihara, as well as SAKURA and KAZUHA, members of the globally active five-member girl group LE SSERAFIM from SOURCE MUSIC under HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS, and MOKA and IROHA, members of the five-member girl group ILLIT from BELIFT LAB under HYBE MUSIC GROUP LABELS. This豪華 cast will watch over the growth and decision-making moments of the participants who are challenging themselves for their dreams.
In episode #6, broadcast on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, HIORI, AYANA, SAKURA, and AOI, who successfully passed the third round of auditions, land in Los Angeles, USA. The group begins living together in luxurious accommodation, but on the very first day, HIORI develops a fever. Subsequently, they have their first meeting with Emily, Lexie, and Samara. Here, they are given the final mission to 'master two English songs within one month until the final evaluation,' and the original challenge songs for the final evaluation, 'PARTY b4 the PARTY' and 'WE RIDE,' are announced.
Furthermore, the world-class coaches selected by HYBE × Geffen Records to mentor the candidates in America also arrive. Nicky Paramore, a dance coach and dancer for Britney Spears and Beyoncé, delivers a harsh critique: "I was surprised when I saw your third-round videos, in a bad way. They weren't good at all." She urges them, "Show me 10 times the power you have right now." Martha Ishihara, a dance coach and dancer for Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, also advises, "You may have done well in Japan, but coming to America requires a mental switch. If you lose in spirit, you won't succeed. Please enjoy yourselves."
In the studio, SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM) recalls, "On the first day of practice, KAZUHA cried because she couldn't communicate," and comments, "I think there are parts where you feel frustrated by language." KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM) also offers encouragement, "I hope you don't get discouraged and do your best." MOKA (ILLIT) further shares her past experience: "When I first came to Korea before our debut, I couldn't speak at all. Iroha-chan had been in Korea since she was little, and the other Japanese people around me were good at Korean... I felt pressure and thought I was being left behind." She adds, "But I had no choice but to do it; if I didn't, I couldn't talk to anyone."
Lessons finally begin. This time, they are divided into two teams: AYANA and HIORI, who have dance experience, and AOI and SAKURA, who have no prior experience in singing or dancing. However, HIORI is absent from practice due to a fever. AYANA, with 10 years of dance experience, smoothly picks up the choreography and receives praise from dance coach Presley Tucker: "If you have this much detail at this stage, you might not need to worry. I'm very happy."
Later, on the third day of lessons, HIORI finally recovers. She strives to catch up on the lessons she missed but expresses her anxiety: "I was surprised at myself for not being able to do it as well as I expected. AYANA was perfectly mimicking the instructor's movements, and I wondered why I couldn't do it..."
Furthermore, the singing and dance novice team of AOI and SAKURA is pointed out for their slow progress. Amidst an uneasy atmosphere, dance coach Nicky Paramore, who had previously given them a stern warning of "not good at all" on the first day of practice, appears. This causes the studio members to exclaim, "This is bad!" and "At this timing?" Following Nicky Paramore's instructions, the two perform the dance three consecutive times. Despite experiencing hyperventilation midway, they showcase their current abilities. Dance coach Presley Tucker, who has observed their dancing so far, states, "These three times were the best I've seen today. Why didn't you try your hardest until she showed up? Honestly, I'm a bit angry and frustrated."
Witnessing the tense situation, which was even more intense than the auditions in Japan, IROHA (ILLIT) in the studio shares her experience: "I also remember dancing while crying and almost hyperventilating when I was told, 'Why can't you give it your all?' even though I felt I was doing my best. But when I watched the video, the last performance was the best. I realized that if I overcome the hardship, I can deliver a better performance."
Towards the end of the program, it is revealed that HIORI's condition, which was thought to have fully recovered, has worsened again. HIORI herself expresses her anxiety, "I'm worried if I'm okay in many ways..." Next week, in episode #7, airing on Tuesday, April 7, at 8 PM, dance coaches will deliver even harsher critiques such as "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation"...!?
'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' #6 is currently available for free missed-viewing on 'ABEMA.' Please take a look.
■ ABEMA 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' Program Overview
*When using images, please include the credit notation: (C)AbemaTV, Inc.
#6 Broadcast Date & Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 8:00 PM~ (Broadcast every Tuesday at 8:00 PM)
#6 Part 1 Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/90-2039_s1_p160
#6 Part 2 Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/90-2039_s1_p161
#7 Broadcast Date & Time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 8:00 PM~
Studio Cast:
Rino Sashihara
Hikorohie
SAKURA (LE SSERAFIM)
KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM)
MOKA (ILLIT)
IROHA (ILLIT)
■ About ABEMA
'ABEMA,' celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, is a video distribution service aiming for television innovation and developing as 'new future TV.' Since its launch, it has operated as an internet television service that can be enjoyed for free and without registration, offering approximately 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a news-only channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, all pursuing 'highest quality or uniqueness.'
In addition to having the largest number of original episodes among Japanese video services (as of March 2026, self-researched), it offers a rich lineup of highly anticipated new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Users can enjoy content anytime, regardless of time, through TV or on-demand viewing. Furthermore, through a viewing experience that is not bound by location on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, it continues to provide content that aligns with diverse lifestyles.
'ABEMA Premium,' available for ¥1,180 per month (tax included), offers exclusive features and content. 'ABEMA Premium with Ads,' for ¥680 per month (tax included), allows viewing of 'ABEMA Premium' exclusive content with advertisements.
Latest information can be found on official social media.
'ABEMA' (https://abema.tv/), a new future TV for enjoying free videos and trending content.
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, 'ABEMA' will be rolling out various campaigns throughout the year, including special program broadcasts and the 'ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival.' Please look forward to 'ABEMA's' 10th anniversary.
'ABEMA' 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/