Santos Bravos, the first Latin pop group launched by HYBE Latin America, is embarking on a global outreach strategy centered around a distinctive form of self-produced entertainment, often referred to as ‘zakon’ in the K-pop industry. This initiative leverages the engaging and popular content format that has propelled many Korean artists to international fame.
Debut of ‘¡VAMOS, BRAVOS!’
On October 15th, the five members of Santos Bravos—Dru, Alehandro, Gabi, Kauê, and Kenes—unveiled the inaugural episode of their self-produced variety series, titled ¡VAMOS, BRAVOS!. The premiere was simultaneously released on the group’s official YouTube channel and as a video podcast on Spotify. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first Spanish-language self-produced variety show from HYBE Latin America, reflecting the company’s ambitious approach to nurturing global talent.
The series draws inspiration from HYBE’s successful ‘zakon’ content strategies, exemplified by BTS’s Run BTS! and SEVENTEEN’s Going SEVENTEEN. These shows have been instrumental in building strong global fandoms. By combining HYBE’s proven expertise in creating engaging fan-focused content with the unique humor and cultural nuances of Latin America, ¡VAMOS, BRAVOS! aims to offer a fresh and captivating experience for viewers worldwide.
First Episode Highlights
The debut episode immediately showcased the members’ uninhibited charm and comedic talents. In a segment where they created their own profiles, the members engaged in playful banter and lighthearted roasting, creating a high-energy atmosphere. The rapid-fire exchanges, or ‘tik-tak,’ kept the tension and excitement palpable throughout the segment.
A standout moment involved member Kauê, who revealed himself to be a devoted fan of BTS. He delivered an emotional rendition of a fan chant, demonstrating his deep connection to the music and fandom culture, which resonated strongly with viewers.
The episode also featured segments highlighting the members’ unique personalities and their enthusiastic, sometimes comically obsessive, engagement with games and challenges. Dru impressed with his ‘golden hands,’ skillfully creating two ‘dugons’ (a type of Korean snack) on the spot through a process of 재봉틀 (sewing machine) work. Gabi, known for his ‘madness,’ heated up the set with an intense, impromptu arm-wrestling match against his fellow members.
Embracing Korean Variety Show Elements
Santos Bravos adeptly adapted classic Korean variety show formats, including ‘Talk by Body’ (몸으로 말해요) and ‘Speed Quiz.’ The members’ energetic physical performances and hilariously incorrect answers during these games provided ample entertainment, eliciting significant laughter from the global audience. The show successfully transcended language and cultural barriers, emphasizing the genuine chemistry and endearing camaraderie among the diverse members.
Santos Bravos’ Rising Momentum
Launched in October of the previous year under the guidance of HYBE’s CEO Bang Si-hyuk, Santos Bravos has rapidly ascended in popularity. The group recently garnered significant attention by winning trophies at major award ceremonies, including those hosted by Spotify and prominent Latin music events. This success has positioned them as a rapidly emerging force in the global music scene.
Broadcast Schedule
The ‘K-variety’ challenge series, ¡VAMOS, BRAVOS!, will continue to roll out new episodes sequentially every Wednesday at 9 PM KST (Korean Standard Time). Episodes can be accessed through the group’s official YouTube channel and other platforms.
This strategic move into self-produced variety content underscores HYBE’s commitment to providing multifaceted engagement opportunities for fans, allowing them to connect with artists on a more personal and entertaining level. By adopting and adapting the successful K-pop content model, Santos Bravos is poised to further solidify its presence and appeal in the international market.
