The recent departure of Lexie Levin from the girl group SAINT SATINE has left fans and industry observers alike with a mix of emotions and questions. Levin, a Swedish member of the group, was one of the three original members revealed in August last year, alongside Emily Kelavos and Samara Siqueira. The trio was a fan favorite from the 2023 survival competition The Debut: Dream Academy, which also produced KATSEYE, HYBE x Geffen's first global girl group. Levin's departure from SAINT SATINE marks the second time she has left a HYBE x Geffen project before its conclusion, raising questions about the group's future and the label's strategy.
Levin's decision to leave SAINT SATINE comes after she initially withdrew from Dream Academy during its run, citing a desire to focus on music production behind the scenes. This move was seen by many fans as a second chance for Levin to be part of a successful girl group, following her previous departure from a project before its conclusion. However, the nature of her departure from SAINT SATINE remains unclear, with the label only stating that both parties mutually agreed to part ways following extensive discussions.
The group's future is now uncertain, with the label confirming that SAINT SATINE will proceed toward their 2026 debut as a three-member act, consisting of Emily, Samara, and Sakura. It remains to be seen whether they will add a fourth member to replace Levin or continue as a trio. The instability within the HYBE x Geffen roster is further highlighted by the ongoing hiatus of KATSEYE member Manon Bannerman, who has been on an indefinite break since February. Bannerman's hiatus has not been elaborated on by the label, and no timeline for her return has been confirmed.
The departure of Levin from SAINT SATINE has sparked discussions about the challenges and pressures faced by young artists in the music industry. It also raises questions about the label's ability to manage and support its artists effectively, especially in the context of extended periods of instability within its girl groups. As the label navigates these challenges, the future of SAINT SATINE and its members remains a topic of interest and speculation among fans and industry observers alike.
