Joseph Hwang
The selection of K-pop idol trainees is typically conducted through an audition process unless there are unusual circumstances. Nevertheless, the possibility of being introduced to a K-pop production company by a third party with connections remains; all prospective trainees must audition before a panel of judges.
In essence, a career in K-pop is a role that necessitates interaction with others. Most professions entail interactions with individuals, but those in K-pop are somewhat distinct. K-pop idols differ from other professionals in that they use their physical appeal to garner attention and expand their activities based on the responses they receive.
1. K-pop Idol Applicants and Parental Sponsorship
Nowadays, numerous adolescents, not limited to South Korea, globally aspire to become members of a K-pop idol group. When adolescents are presented with such an enviable opportunity, they voluntarily develop their talents and charm to be evaluated. They apply to a K-pop production company to become trainees. In this process, the adolescents secure their parents’ consent and, in many cases, their sponsorship to apply for selection as trainees. Up to this point, they must navigate frequent conflicts, make critical judgments, and take important decisions. Even at this preliminary stage, the process is arduous, and the path to becoming a K-pop idol is just beginning.
2. K-pop Institutes and Production Companies
The selection process used by K-pop production companies to identify prospective idols is a topic of considerable interest. Such entities post audition notices on their official websites. Those interested in pursuing a career as K-pop idol trainees are advised to monitor the websites of major K-pop production companies for audition announcements and to note that most auditions are held several times throughout the year. The nature of K-pop idols requires collaboration, and as a result, group members may be replaced for various reasons. It is not uncommon for members to change before their debut, as the production company strives to select the most talented and strongest candidates from among the trainees. This process can induce significant stress in trainees, and if they cannot cope with the associated pressure, they often abandon the endeavor and withdraw from the program.
It is not uncommon for K-pop production companies to receive recommendations for prospective trainees from individuals within the trainees’ network. However, given that these individuals are not professionals in the field, it can be challenging for them to accurately assess whether a prospective trainee meets the standards set by the production company. Consequently, production companies utilize K-pop institutes throughout South Korea to facilitate the introduction of prospective trainees. K-pop institutes provide training for individuals aspiring to become members of an idol group, charging a fee for their services. The goal of the institutes is to facilitate the transition of their trainees to those of a major K-pop production company. Subsequently, following the trainees’ successful completion of the audition process and their induction into the industry, the institute experiences a surge in applications from other prospective trainees.
Furthermore, production companies tend to recommend trainees through the institutes themselves. A kind of ecosystem of K-pop trainees has emerged, as the institutes have already trained these trainees in the etiquette of auditioning, singing, and dancing. It is therefore advantageous for production companies to choose trainees who have a clear goal of becoming K-pop idols from the outset. Nevertheless, it is recognized that circumstances frequently diverge from the anticipated trajectory, prompting production companies to pursue trainees through a multitude of avenues and continue receiving recommendations from the institutes. Both the institute and the trainee are gratified if the audition is successfully passed. However, if the audition is unsuccessful, the relationship between the institute and the trainee may be irreparably damaged, and in rare cases, legal disputes may arise.
3. After Passing the Audition
Upon passing the audition process, the trainees enter into an exclusive contract with the K-pop production company. At this point, the production company takes on the responsibilities for the trainees’ lives. First and foremost, a minor must obtain the consent of their parents or legal guardians before entering into an exclusive contract. The majority of K-pop production companies are located in Seoul, South Korea. If the trainee is a minor residing in a rural area, the issue of relocation becomes a pertinent concern. The production company is responsible for housing the trainee, but the decision regarding their studies may rest with the discretion of the trainee and their parents. Some trainees may choose to terminate their studies at this point. Alternatively, they may decide to continue homeschooling rather than transferring to a different school. Moreover, some prominent K-pop production companies may opt to hire tutors for the majority of their academic pursuits.
The age of trainees is becoming increasingly younger. Previously, middle school students were deemed suitable candidates; however, the recent trend has shifted to selecting even elementary school students, as they require more comprehensive training and time to develop their skills. The minimum training period for trainees is two to three years, and even when they debut, they are under contract for at least seven years. Consequently, production companies should anticipate hiring them for at least 10 years. This is not a brief period, and the longer the contract, the greater the risk for the production company and the trainee.
Following the successful completion of the audition process and the subsequent signing of an exclusive contract with the production company, K-pop idol trainees are required to engage in a period of training with their fellow trainees. Debuting as a K-pop idol entails working in a group. Consequently, production companies place a premium on the collaborative abilities of K-pop idol groups; they require the trainees to reside in a group setting from the outset of their training. This phase is also challenging for adolescents. It is not uncommon for trainees to abandon their group, citing incompatibility with the group dynamic or pursuing opportunities with a different production company, which often results in legal disputes due to violations of exclusive contracts. It is challenging to envision a trainee successfully evading group living, as it is more advantageous for a production company to oversee a substantial number of trainees efficiently and cost-effectively. The entire process is exceedingly stressful for the trainees and their parents.
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