HYBE’s SAINT SATINE Faces New Lineup Speculation After Former A2K Contestant Linked to Group

SAINT SATINE is facing speculation about its lineup after social media users linked former A2K contestant Mischa Salkin to the HYBE x Geffen girl group.

Neither HYBE, HYBE x Geffen, nor SAINT SATINE has confirmed that Salkin is being considered as a replacement member. The rumor began circulating after fans noticed Instagram activity involving Kerrie Mailey, a representative of Gem Casting.

Online users have associated the casting agency with HYBE’s global audition projects, although the interaction does not establish that Salkin has been cast.

The speculation follows the departure of Lexie Levin, who left SAINT SATINE shortly before its planned 2026 debut. Bandwagon reported that HYBE x Geffen announced Levin’s exit on July 14, saying the decision was mutual and followed “extensive and thoughtful discussions” about the group’s future activities.

Levin will no longer be a member of SAINT SATINE or remain under HYBE x Geffen. In a message to fans, she said she and the company had agreed to move forward separately, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities and lessons she received. She also asked fans to continue supporting the group and called its remaining members her “forever sisters.”

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Following Levin’s departure, the publicly reported lineup consists of Emily Kelavos of the United States, Samara Siqueira of Brazil and Tobi Sakura of Japan.

How SAINT SATINE Was Formed

According to Vogue Hong Kong, SAINT SATINE is HYBE and Geffen Records’ second global girl group following the success of KATSEYE. Emily, Levin and Samara previously drew attention as contestants on “The Debut: Dream Academy” before continuing their training under the temporary name Prelude.

The group’s final-member search was documented in “World Scout: The Final Piece”, a 12-episode audition series broadcast on Japan’s ABEMA. Vogue Hong Kong reported that the group’s name combines “SAINT,” representing charisma and commanding musicality, with “SATINE,” reflecting softness and refinement.

SAINT SATINE has released the pre-debut tracks “PARTY b4 the PARTY” and “WE RIDE.” The latter features “World Scout” finalist Ayana. HYBE x Geffen has confirmed that the group’s official debut is planned for 2026, although a specific date has not been announced.

Levin previously competed on “Dream Academy” but withdrew before the final mission. Salkin, the artist named in the latest online speculation, competed on JYP Entertainment’s A2K, a separate survival program.

Koreaboo reported that the rumor gained attention across social media, where fans shared screenshots, videos and photos on X, formerly known as Twitter. Reactions have ranged from excitement about Salkin potentially joining the group to calls for caution until the agency issues an official statement.

For now, Salkin’s reported connection to SAINT SATINE remains unconfirmed, and no replacement for Levin has been formally announced.

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