SANTOS BRAVOS: Latin Pop’s New Powerhouse Makes History with Out Member Drew Venegas

SANTOS BRAVOS, the newest boy band to emerge from the powerhouse behind BTS and Katseye, made their high-profile debut on October 22, 2025, at Mexico City’s iconic Auditorio Nacional. Unlike any group before them, SANTOS BRAVOS fuses the K-pop industry’s rigorous training system with the dynamic rhythms of Latin music, resulting in a multicultural, multilingual act designed for global resonance. The band’s five members—Drew (United States/Mexico), Alejandro (Peru), Kauê (Brazil), Gabi (Puerto Rico), and Kenneth (Mexico)—were selected from 17 contestants on the reality competition “Santos Bravos,” which captivated Latin America for months leading up to the final lineup announcement during their debut performance before 10,000 live attendees and a massive online audience.

Their debut, livestreamed to over 70,000 viewers and now viewed more than 430,000 times online, signals a pivotal shift: SANTOS BRAVOS is the first Latin boy band formed by a K-pop company specifically for a global audience, blending the best of both genres in a single act.

HYBE Latin America, the Latin regional division of the global K-pop conglomerate HYBE, spent six months training the finalists in the group’s signature style—combining precision choreography, intricate harmonies, and relentless stage discipline with the warmth and rhythm of Latin music. Santiago Duque, HYBE Latin America’s VP Creative & A&R, explained: “The challenge was finding the right balance between two worlds: K-pop and Latin music. We worked to keep the energy of K-pop—the harmonies, vocal arrangements, dance breaks—while preserving the Latin rhythm that unites us”.

Their debut single, “0%,” written and produced by Johnny Goldstein (noted for his work with Shakira and Black Eyed Peas), encapsulates this blend, featuring Afrobeats-infused pop melodies and lyrics about living in the moment. The visualizer, shot in a junkyard on the outskirts of Mexico City, highlights the group’s synchronized choreography and visual storytelling, key elements of their hybrid pop identity.

Among SANTOS BRAVOS’ members, Drew Venegas stands out—not only as the group’s leader but as a proud, openly gay, 25-year-old Mexican-American. Drew’s journey to the band’s frontman is emblematic of the group’s inclusive spirit. Before joining SANTOS BRAVOS, Drew danced for superstar Karol G on her “Mañana Será Bonito Tour,” honing his stage presence and building a following on social media.

Drew’s visibility as an out gay artist within the traditionally heteronormative Latin boy band genre is significant. Latin music, like much of mainstream pop, has often lagged in LGBTQ+ representation, especially in acts marketed to young, international audiences. By placing Drew at the forefront, SANTOS BRAVOS and HYBE Latin America are sending a clear message: global pop is ready for greater diversity and authentic LGBTQ+ voices. Drew’s gratitude was palpable at their debut, as he addressed the audience: “All of you are part of our journey,” he said, marking a new era of inclusion and connection in Latin pop.

Just hours after their Mexico City debut, SANTOS BRAVOS traveled to Miami to appear at Billboard Latin Music Week, making their U.S. debut as part of Billboard’s En Vivo concert series—a testament to their international aspirations and the industry’s recognition of their crossover potential. Their performance has sparked considerable excitement, with critics and fans noting the seamless blend of K-pop’s discipline and Latin pop’s infectious energy.

Each member brings a unique background to the group: Alejandro, the soulful vocalist from Peru; Kauê, the Brazilian winner of “The Voice Kids”; Gabi, the charismatic Puerto Rican; and Kenneth, the 16-year-old Mexican prodigy, who became emotional at their debut, reflecting on the group’s challenging journey.

For LGBTQ+ audiences—especially young Latinx fans—Drew’s role in SANTOS BRAVOS is more than symbolic. Visibility in mainstream pop culture can drive acceptance and foster a sense of belonging. Drew’s presence as an out performer in a leading, youth-oriented act offers positive representation and challenges lingering stereotypes within both Latin and global pop industries.

Organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign have long advocated for such visibility, noting that authentic representation can have a measurable impact on public perceptions and self-esteem among LGBTQ+ youth. As more artists like Drew step into the spotlight, music fans worldwide are seeing a broader spectrum of identities reflected on the biggest stages.

With their debut single “0%” already making waves and their international schedule ramping up, SANTOS BRAVOS is poised to become a trailblazer in both the Latin and K-pop spheres. While no debut album has yet been announced, industry observers expect more original music and high-profile collaborations as the group cements its place in the global music conversation.

As SANTOS BRAVOS continues to rise, they bring with them a new vision for pop stardom—one where cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and LGBTQ+ pride stand center stage. The world will be watching to see just how far this new era of Latin pop can go.