HYBE x Geffen confirmed on July 13 that Lexie Levin has parted ways with upcoming girl group SAINT SATINE and with the label entirely — before the group’s formal debut. The announcement, posted via the joint HYBE x Geffen account on Weverse and across the group’s social media channels, described the split as the result of mutual agreement following extensive discussions.
“Following extensive and thoughtful discussions with Lexie regarding the group’s future activities, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways,” the statement read. “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.” The label confirmed it would continue supporting SAINT SATINE’s path to debut.
Lexie’s Own Words
Hours after the official announcement, Lexie, 21, posted a statement on her Instagram Stories addressing fans directly. She described the decision with a mix of gratitude and candor.
“When I joined Project SAINT SATINE, I truly believed it was the right place for me,” she wrote. “I was excited by the presented vision and future plans we were going to be working towards together. HYBE x Geffen will always have a special place in my heart. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me and the lessons I’ve learned from them. But now we have come to the mutual decision that this is the right time for us to move forward separately.”
She addressed the emotional weight of the decision, while making clear she had found peace with it: “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!” She closed by asking fans to continue supporting her “forever sisters” — Emily, Samara, and Sakura — and teased: “My debut and future might look different than what you expected but stay tuned! I’m not done yet.”
Who Is SAINT SATINE?
SAINT SATINE was announced in May as the next major global girl group from the HYBE x Geffen label partnership — the same pipeline that produced KATSEYE. The group’s four-member lineup was assembled through two separate processes: Lexie (Swedish, born in Stockholm), Emily Kelavos (USA), and Samara Siqueira (Brazil) were all contestants on the 2023 survival series The Debut: Dream Academy, which also produced KATSEYE. The fourth member, Japanese singer Tobi Sakura, was selected through the subsequent global competition World Scout: The Final Piece, which concluded in May 2026. The group also performed the pre-debut tracks “PARTY b4 the PARTY” and “WE RIDE” during the World Scout finale.
Levin previously withdrew from The Debut: Dream Academy after seven weeks before returning to the HYBE x Geffen system as part of SAINT SATINE.
What Happens Next
SAINT SATINE currently has three remaining members — Emily, Samara, and Sakura — with the label confirming the group’s debut plans remain on course. Whether a fourth member will be added to replace Lexie, or the group proceeds as three, has not been confirmed. Fans noted that signs of Lexie’s absence had begun appearing in the group’s social media content in the weeks prior to the announcement, with recent posts featuring only the three remaining members. Whether Levin will pursue a solo career or another group project remains unclear. Her statement ended with a promise to fans: “I’m not done yet.”