On July 13, 2026, the global music industry was abuzz with news from HYBE x Geffen Records: Lexie Levin, one of the founding members of the much-anticipated girl group SAINT SATINE, has officially parted ways with the act ahead of their planned debut. The announcement, made through a joint statement on Weverse and the companies’ social media channels, confirmed that both Lexie and the label mutually agreed to go their separate ways after what was described as “extensive and thoughtful discussions” about the group’s future activities.
The official statement, as reported by multiple outlets including Forbes and Billboard, read: “Following extensive and thoughtful discussions with Lexie regarding the group’s future activities, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways.” The statement added that Lexie would not continue as a member of SAINT SATINE or as part of HxG in any other capacity. The label also expressed gratitude for Lexie’s contributions and wished her well in her future endeavors, while emphasizing its ongoing support for SAINT SATINE’s journey toward debut. Fans were asked to continue their support for the group as they move forward.
Lexie, a Swedish singer-songwriter and producer born in Stockholm in 2004, quickly became a standout figure in the project. Her creative background and previous experiences set her apart from her peers. Notably, she had already garnered international attention as a contestant on the 2023 survival competition The Debut: Dream Academy, the very show that produced KATSEYE, HYBE x Geffen’s first global girl group. Lexie’s journey on Dream Academy was itself a story—she withdrew from the competition after seven weeks, with the show citing her interest in focusing more “behind the scenes” in music production. Later, the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE revealed that Lexie’s exit was a personal decision, made on her own terms.
Her inclusion in the founding lineup of SAINT SATINE was seen by many as a second chance—a return to the limelight after her earlier departure. Alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira, Lexie was revealed as part of the original trio in August 2025, operating under the working name PRELUDE. The group’s formation was a carefully orchestrated process, blending HYBE’s renowned idol training system with Western pop influences, and aiming for a truly global reach. The final member, sixteen-year-old Tobi Sakura from Toyama, Japan, was selected through the twelve-episode survival series World Scout: The Final Piece, which aired exclusively on Japanese streaming platform ABEMA. The finale, held live in Los Angeles in May 2026, saw the group’s official name—SAINT SATINE—unveiled to the world.
SAINT SATINE’s debut was already highly anticipated, with the group performing their pre-release single “PARTY b4 the PARTY” live during the finale stage in Los Angeles. Another pre-debut track, “We Ride,” was recorded with World Scout finalist Ayana, further building excitement among fans. In May 2026, the group moved in together in Los Angeles and attended major events such as Coachella and a World Cup game, moments that were widely shared on their official social media accounts. Yet, in the days leading up to the announcement, fans noticed Lexie’s absence from group photos, sparking speculation about her status within the group.
Lexie addressed her departure directly through a heartfelt Instagram Story on July 13, 2026, expressing both gratitude and resolve. “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,” she wrote. She continued, “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.”
The message struck a poignant note as Lexie reflected on the emotional weight of her decision: “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 urged fans to continue supporting SAINT SATINE, calling Emily, Samara, and Sakura her “forever sisters,” and reassured her supporters that her journey in music was far from over. “My debut and future might look different than what you expected but stay tuned! I’m not done yet.”
The timing of Lexie’s exit is notable, coming before the group’s official musical debut and at a moment when HYBE x Geffen’s global idol projects are under intense public scrutiny. According to Forbes, Lexie’s departure is one of the first major lineup changes for an upcoming global idol group from the company, and it has inevitably led to questions about the group’s direction. As of now, SAINT SATINE is expected to move forward as a trio consisting of Emily, Samara, and Sakura, though it remains unclear whether a fourth member will be added to replace Lexie or if the group will continue with three members. HYBE x Geffen has not yet reconfirmed the exact timeline for the group’s official debut following the shake-up.
The broader context is equally complex. SAINT SATINE’s formation followed the international success of KATSEYE, HYBE x Geffen’s first foray into global girl group territory. However, that group has also faced recent turbulence, with member Manon Bannerman announcing an indefinite hiatus earlier in 2026. The label has not provided further details or a timeline for Manon’s return, leaving KATSEYE’s future similarly uncertain. For fans and industry watchers alike, these developments hint at the challenges of managing multinational idol groups in a high-pressure, fast-evolving market.
Still, the story of Lexie Levin is one of resilience and artistic conviction. Twice now, she has stepped away from major HYBE x Geffen projects on her own terms—first from The Debut: Dream Academy and now from SAINT SATINE. Each time, she has cited her desire to chart her own course in music, whether that means performing, songwriting, or producing. Her candid reflections on social media have resonated with fans, many of whom see her as a symbol of creative independence in an industry often defined by rigid systems and expectations.
As SAINT SATINE regroups and prepares for its next chapter, and as Lexie embarks on her “next adventure,” the music world will be watching closely. One thing is certain: both the group and Lexie have left an indelible mark on the landscape of global pop, and neither’s story is anywhere close to finished.