Full Breakdown
Lexie Levin Departs HYBE × Geffen’s SAINT SATINE Ahead of Debut
7/14/2026, 11:49:08 AM
Core Event: Member Exit Before Launch
On July 13, HYBE × Geffen (HxG) announced that Lexie Levin, the 21-year-old Swedish singer-songwriter, will no longer be a member of the upcoming global girl group SAINT SATINE and will not remain signed to the joint label. The agency said the decision resulted from “extensive and thoughtful discussions” and was mutually agreed upon. The group, still slated to debut in the second half of 2026, will continue with the remaining members Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira and Tobi Sakura.
Background & Context: HYBE × Geffen’s International Idol Initiative
SAINT SATINE is the second global girl-group project launched by the partnership between South Korean entertainment giant HYBE and U.S. label Geffen Records. The first project, KATSEYE, debuted successfully after emerging from the 2023 survival competition The Debut: Dream Academy. SAINT SATINE was announced on May 12, 2026, and built its lineup from three alumni of the same competition—Emily Kelavos (United States), Lexie Levin (Sweden) and Samara Siqueira (Brazil)—plus a fourth member, Tobi Sakura (Japan), selected in May through the program World Scout: The Final Piece.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lexie Levin – Swedish vocalist, songwriter and producer, born August 28, 2004 in Stockholm; previously withdrew from The Debut: Dream Academy after seven weeks.
- Emily Kelavos – American member, part of the original trio.
- Samara Siqueira – Brazilian member, also a Dream Academy alum.
- Tobi Sakura – Japanese member added via World Scout.
- HYBE × Geffen (HxG) – Joint venture responsible for talent development, production and global promotion.
Timeline
- August 2025 – Lexie Levin revealed as part of SAINT SATINE’s founding trio alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira.
- May 2026 – Group name and concept unveiled; Tobi Sakura selected as fourth member.
- May 2026 – Four members move into shared housing after attending Coachella 2026 together.
- July 13, 2026 – HxG posts official statement on Weverse announcing Lexie’s departure.
- July 14, 2026 – Additional reports repeat the same announcement, citing the same statement.
Official Statements & Responses
HxG’s joint statement emphasized that “both parties have mutually agreed to part ways” after “extensive and thoughtful discussions” about the group’s future activities, and expressed wishes for Lexie’s future endeavors. Lexie’s Instagram story echoed gratitude toward HYBE × Geffen, noting that the project “was the right place for me” and that she now looks forward to a “next adventure.” She also acknowledged “different ways of operating” as a factor in the split.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or dissenting commentary was offered by industry observers or fan groups in the available reports. The agency did not disclose a specific reason for the departure, leaving the rationale unaddressed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of the announcement, citing both July 13 and July 14, 2026. Additionally, the statement provides no detail on why the parties deemed a separation necessary, creating a gap in understanding the strategic or personal factors behind the decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Following extensive and thoughtful discussions with Lexie regarding the group’s future activities, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways.” — HYBE × Geffen (official statement)
- “While Lexie will no longer continue as a member of SAINT SATINE or as part of HxG, we sincerely wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” — HYBE × Geffen (official statement)
- “Hi, Lexie here! When I joined Project SAINT SATINE, I truly believed it was the right place for me. I was excited by the presented vision and future plans we were going to be working towards together.” — Lexie Levin (Instagram story)
- “While it feels heavy-hearted, I have found peace in that some things in life aren’t destined. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the team, but we have different ways of operating, and that’s okay!” — Lexie Levin (Instagram)
- “My debut and future might look different than what you expected but stay tuned! I'm not done yet.” — Lexie Levin (Instagram)
Why It Matters / Impact
Lexie’s exit reduces SAINT SATINE to a trio, altering the group’s original four-member concept and potentially affecting choreography, vocal distribution and marketing narratives. The departure also marks the second instance of a member leaving a HYBE × Geffen project before completion, following Lexie’s earlier withdrawal from The Debut: Dream Academy. The label’s ability to maintain momentum with the remaining members will be a test of its hybrid idol-training model and its capacity to adapt to lineup changes while preserving the global brand it seeks to expand.