BY JENNY FAUST KPOP IDOL TRAINING

ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES The Big 3 - SM, YG, JYP More difficult to get into Train idols as “investments” Pay for training, plastic surgery, etc. from training until after they debut Gain revenue from idols once they debut ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES

AUDITIONS 3 steps - 1) Walk-in 2) Callback 3) Final Held every weekend in both Korea and US (and few other asian countries) Extremely slim chance of being selected Different companies value different factors Ex. SM - appearance, YG - talent Many are scouted and encouraged to audition Most auditionees are in their teens Looks for: appearance, talent, potential, “star quality”

TRAINING Hours of training each day - often until after midnight Ex. JYP - 1-5 classes a day (each @ 3 hours) Difficult to attend/balance school and training Assigned homework on top of training Monthly evaluation Must maintain appearance No weight gain - regular weight checks Many companies force plastic surgery Training spans anywhere from months - 10 years Generally 2-4 years No certainty on ability to debut Difficult to leave company due to contract

TV COMPETITIONS Competitions to become a trainee or debut KPop Star, Produce 101, Sixteen, etc. Extremely grueling process May be within entertainment company Some test on appearance, star quality - not only singing/dancing capability TV COMPETITIONS