Built on the model of boy bands, K-pop bands are as small as three and up to 23 or more members — usually all-male or all-female, although there are some mixed groups. K-pop is a fast-paced industry where artists often release an album every three to five months.
K-pop stars, called idols, are usually very young – teenagers or in their early twenties. This means that kids have to start early if they want to succeed in the industry, and the process of becoming a K-pop idol is quite painful.
The ins and outs of K-pop idol workout and the production system is a heavily fortified trade secret, but the basic path to full-fledged K-pop idol begins with auditions, with most hopefuls beginning the process around age 10 or so. It’s not uncommon to attend dozens of auditions before being picked up by an entertainment agency.
Jeon Jung-kook and BTS perform during the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening event on November 20, 2022, in Al Khor, Qatar.
Jun Qian ATP Images/Getty Images
After being selected based on their looks and stage presence, as well as their raw singing and dancing talent, trainees spend an average of three years in an intensive training program where they practice in single-sex studios until late at night, sometimes after a full day. at school. Often, however, trainees leave school all together to focus solely on their K-pop idol aspirations.
After a few years of grueling work, the trainees are evaluated and if they pass, they might be selected to debut in a new K-pop group.