And then there were three. HYBE x Geffen confirmed today via an official statement on Weverse that SAINT SATINE member Lexie Levin has parted ways with the group.

"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." HxG confirmed it would continue backing the group’s path to debut. Lexie later posted a story on her Instagram , saying, “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.”

She thanked HYBE x Geffen for the opportunities and learning, saying they would always have a special place in her heart.

“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!” the statement continues, before asking fans to keep supporting SAINT SATINE and “forever sisters” Emily, Samara and Sakura.

“Now I’m on my next adventure! My debut and future might look different than what you expected but stay tuned! I’m not done yet.”

Who Is Lexie Levine, Formerly Of SAINT SATINE?

Lexie Levin, 21, is Swedish and was among the three original members for HxG’s next girl group after KATSEYE’s viral success. She was revealed in August last year alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira — all three of whom were fan favourites from the 2023 survival competition The Debut: Dream Academy , which also previously produced KATSEYE.

Lexie had in fact withdrawn from Dream Academy during its run, with the show saying she realized her interests lay more “behind the scenes” in music production. In the subsequent Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, it was revealed that Lexie chose to leave on her own terms.

Her inclusion in SAINT SATINE's founding lineup was seen by many fans as a second chance at the group she had stepped back from — making today's announcement the second time she has departed a HYBE x Geffen project before its conclusion.

A Brief History Of PRELUDE And SAINT SATINE

The group that would become SAINT SATINE began taking shape in August 2025 when HYBE and Geffen announced a new global girl group project, revealing Emily, Lexie, and Samara across three consecutive days. The trio operated under the working name PRELUDE while HYBE and Geffen ran a second survival competition, World Scout: The Final Piece , a twelve-episode series aired exclusively on Japanese streaming platform ABEMA, to find a fourth and final member.

The judging panel included LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura and Kazuha, ILLIT’s Moka and Iroha, and television personality Sashihara Rino. The finale was held live in Los Angeles in May this year. Sixteen-year-old Tobi Sakura from Toyama, Japan was revealed as the fourth member , and simultaneously the group's official name — SAINT SATINE — was announced.

The four members performed their debut pre-release single "PARTY b4 the PARTY" live on the finale stage for the first time, and have another pre-debut track track called “We Ride” with World Scout finalist Ayana.

Lexie’s departure arrives at an uncertain moment for the HYBE x Geffen roster more broadly. KATSEYE, the label's first global girl group, has been navigating an extended period of instability since member Manon Bannerman announced an indefinite hiatus from the group. Manon remains on hiatus at time of publication. The nature of the hiatus has not been elaborated on by HYBE x Geffen beyond the initial announcement, and no timeline for her return has been confirmed.

SAINT SATINE will now have to proceed toward their debut as Emily, Samara, and Sakura for now, although it is unclear if they will add a fourth member to replace Lexie or continue as a trio. I’ve reached out to HYBE for comment and will update if they respond.

Note: An earlier version of this article said “SAINT SATINE will proceed toward their 2026 debut as Emily, Samara, and Sakura for now”. This was based on previous promotional material and though it could still happen, a 2026 debut has not yet been officially reconfirmed by HYBE x Geffen after Lexie’s departure.