Virtual boy group HYPEVERSE wins Next Icon award amid US fan surge

Five-member virtual group HYPEVERSE was named the Next Icon at the Top Celeb News Awards 2026 today after securing 30,000 YouTube subscribers, over 80% of whom are based in the US.

The five-member virtual boy group HYPEVERSE is attracting interest from US fans even during its pre-debut stage. According to its agency, Pillandart Studio, HYPEVERSE has secured 30,000 YouTube subscribers in approximately one and a half months.

The proportion of US subscribers was calculated to be more than 80%. The combined views for three major Shorts videos also reached 1.2 million.

HYPEVERSE consists of five members themed after a Dokkaebi, Gumiho, Ninja, Dragon Blood Shaman, and Grim Reaper. The group is characterized by combining K-pop music and performance with the traits of animation characters.

Each member possesses a different story and visual, and the accompanying pet characters are also drawing interest from fans. The pre-debut single 'Weirdo', released on the 7th, carries a message that people with slightly different tastes can also be loved.

The song is composed primarily of English lyrics, and the members are prepared to communicate with fans in English. Pillandart Studio is conducting character planning, worldview construction, and music and video production centered around a young production team, and also possesses real-time production technology utilizing motion capture and Unreal Engine. Universal Music Korea is in charge of the domestic and international music distribution for 'Weirdo'.

HYPEVERSE was also selected as the 'Next Icon' special award at the Top Celeb News Awards 2026 announced today. The organizers stated that they highly evaluated the group's content aimed at the global market and its potential for fandom growth.

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