PEK48 Peking Opens 1st Auditions for Douyin Streamer Girl Group

Douyin Idols, Japanese Roots: PEK48 Launches with AKB48-Style Training in Beijing

After months of speculation, Japan’s iconic AKB48 girl group has welcomed a new sister group in China: PEK48, based in Beijing.

The announcement comes after the domain PEK48.cn was registered by Superball Inc., the company responsible for managing AKB48’s overseas sister groups, sparking rumours of the group’s formation earlier this year.

PEK48 is set to operate as a Douyin-based streamer girl group while also being an officially authorised sister group under the AKB48 franchise. 

This unique positioning allows PEK48 to use the "48" branding without conflict with SNH48, a former AKB48 sister group that became independent in 2016 and remains a major player in China’s idol scene. 

The group’s structure aligns with the rising "Douyin Girl Group Trend," where short-form video platforms like Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) have become a dominant force in entertainment, boasting a projected 835 million users in 2025.

Superball Inc., which already oversees sister groups in cities like Jakarta (JKT48), Bangkok (BNK48), and Kuala Lumpur (KLP48), is handling PEK48’s operations. 

The group’s benefits package includes a monthly stipend of 10,000 RMB (approximately £1,100), food and accommodation, an artist training plan to enhance singing and dancing skills, a debut album and music video with global release, and training opportunities with AKB48 in Japan. 

PEK48 members will also have the chance to perform at AKB48’s theatre in Japan, a significant perk for aspiring idols. 

PEK48 auditions are open with no upper age limit, though all members must be over 18, likely due to Douyin’s regulations.

The launch has stirred mixed reactions among Chinese idol fans. Some SNH48 fans have expressed cynicism, with many believing PEK48 is merely capitalising on the AKB48 licence to ride the Douyin girl group wave. 

SNH48, which has expanded into its own sister groups like BEJ48 and GNZ48, has reportedly struggled to keep up with the viral success of Douyin-based groups in recent years.

PEK48 marks the latest expansion of the AKB48 franchise, which pioneered the “idols you can meet” concept, now spanning multiple sister groups across Asia. 

As Douyin continues to reshape China’s entertainment landscape, PEK48’s blend of traditional idol training and digital-first strategy could set a new precedent for the industry.

For more updates on PEK48’s debut and activities, fans can follow Superball Inc.’s announcements or check the official PEK48.cn website for further details.