Before becoming an idol artist, K-pop singers were trainees commonly called trainees. They started practicing singing and performing on stage with the group since they were teenagers. Some people start training as young as 11, but many start auditioning and training towards the end of their teens. So, opportunities are still open even though you're almost out of high school! K-pop trainees and stars are mostly Korean, but anyone can audition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Skills, personality and commitment to work hard play an important role in achieving success.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Developing Skills
Step 1. Develop and improve your dancing skills by taking dance lessons
If you've never danced, take a variety of dance classes, especially those that practice hip-hop and urban dance. One of the requirements for attending training (and becoming an idol artist!) is the ability to perform in front of an audience and one of them is dancing.
If you can't take a course in class, learn a new skill by watching free videos online
Step 2. Hire a vocal coach to improve your singing skills
Even if you are already good at singing, you can learn many new things from a vocal coach, such as increasing your endurance when performing on stage.
If all this time you've been more focused on learning to dance, that's okay! The chances of passing the audition for training are even greater if you can sing
Step 3. Improve your rapping skills to complete your skills
Rap is an important aspect of a K-pop star's lifestyle and it can be a lot of fun! Listen to rap songs to get to know the rhythm and then learn the vocal techniques and singing styles of your favorite stars.
If you have trouble pronouncing Korean song lyrics, do a tongue twister to relax your tongue and lips
Step 4. Learn to write and sing popular Korean songs
When you audition, you have to sing a very popular song so the producers get to know the song, but when you become a trainee, you have to learn to write songs and choreograph dances. Develop these two skills so that you are ready to become an idol artist.
Take a songwriting course. Set aside plenty of time to listen to songs and watch K-pop music videos as a means to create works that people love
Part 2 of 4: Forming New Habits
Step 1. Learn Korean culture's beauty norms and standards
Even though the trainees are not only Korean, you will be performing in front of an audience that is mostly Korean. So, learn about their culture if you don't already know it. Read news about famous K-pop groups, take time to browse Korean fashion websites, find out about etiquette and social norms that apply in Korea.
If you are not Korean, it shows that you really want to be a K-pop trainee and are committed to being a part of Korean culture
Step 2. Learn Korean if you don't know it yet
At the very least, memorize everyday phrases, such as "hello", "see you later", "please" and "thank you", but the more you know, the better! During the training, you will be asked to sing a Korean song. In addition, it is easier for you to make new friends and travel in South Korea if you can speak Korean.
If you can't take Korean courses, download the EggBun or Duolingo apps
Step 3. Avoid scandals and use social media carefully
The success of undergoing training is determined by various criteria, such as polite behavior and good personality. So, don't take actions that cause problems, such as taking drugs when hanging out with friends. Be careful what you post on social media because managers and company directors can see your account.
Producers will choose participants whose skills are needed and willing to work hard, rather than those who just want to be caught by the camera because they often cause problems or like drama
Step 4. Create a YouTube channel to upload videos and get followers
Record a self-composed song and prepare the cover. You are free to be creative by making videos that tell your journey to pursue your dream of becoming a K-pop trainee. Usually, companies create YouTube channels when recruiting new personnel.
Set a schedule for uploading content so that your channel is filled with new uploads on a regular basis. Also, think about different ways to increase your audience
Step 5. Maintain ideal body weight and keep fit.
Some producers recruit personnel who are very slim, but there are those who are willing to accept trainees who are not slim. However, you should do regular high-intensity exercise, such as practicing dancing for a few hours every day.
If you are not fit or want to lose weight, include an exercise schedule in your daily routine. Eat nutritious foods instead of processed foods
Part 3 of 4: Auditioning to Become a Trainee
Step 1. Find information about the company holding the audition
You can take auditions held by big companies, such as SM, JYP, YG, Cube, LOEN, Pledis, Woolim, and BigHit. Many companies only recruit trainees who have certain aesthetic aspects and are already good at singing and dancing, but some companies accept trainees with different criteria or who need a lot of practice to develop certain skills.
- You can audition as soon as you get the chance, but it's expensive and time-consuming. You should look for an audition whose requirements can be met and then prepare yourself to take part in the audition.
- Please note that auditionees under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult or obtain written approval from a legal guardian prior to auditioning.
Step 2. Master the skills as best you can and show confidence when auditioning
K-pop auditions usually have one of the following skills: singing, dancing, or rapping. Make sure you master one of these skills to the best of your ability and develop the others. For example, if you're very good at dancing, take a class to hone your dancing skills, but don't forget to practice your vocals and rap.
Whatever your skill, be prepared for lengthy training to develop the competencies needed to make you a successful K-pop star. You will be considered special if you have advantages when auditioning
Step 3. Prepare 3 songs before auditioning, one of which is a Korean song
Consider the most mastered skill when choosing a song. For example, if you are good at rapping and dancing, choose a Korean rap song that is performed while dancing so you can demonstrate these skills. Decide on a second song that is performed while dancing in a different style. Choose your favorite song as the third song to let producers know your skills and hobbies!
Watch YouTube videos to find out what they do when they audition
Step 4. Create photos to send or submit to producers
You can take photos with the help of a professional photographer or at home. In addition to a photo that shows the face from the front and side, don't forget to take a full body photo.
When you want to be photographed, make up your face as natural as possible so that your appearance looks natural
Step 5. Wear clothes for daily activities and apply light makeup to audition
The jury wanted to see a face that was not heavily made-up and a natural body shape, instead of wearing tight clothes (eg Spanx). The life of a K-pop trainee is regulated by the company by determining the style of clothing, makeup, and hairstyles to appear on stage or in public.
Don't wear K-pop fan clothes because producers think you're at an audition place to meet idol artists
Step 6. Take a face-to-face audition or submit an online video if the audition location is overseas
There are many opportunities for face-to-face auditions around the world. So, you can audition in the country. If you can't audition in person (or want to submit another piece of work), find out the audition schedule on each company's website.
Online auditions are a great option for people who want to attend training! Face-to-face auditions are useful for exploring new experiences and finding opportunities, but don't underestimate the opportunity to be recruited through online auditions
Step 7. Fight not to give up
Remember that you have to travel a long way to be able to attend training. Many people auditioned repeatedly until they were accepted as trainees. If the judges provide feedback after the audition, make the most of it before taking the next audition. For example, the jury suggested that you sing louder. For that, find a vocal teacher to improve the sound quality.
Don't worry if you're getting older, but you haven't passed the audition yet. Many K-pop stars start their careers towards adulthood. Make sure you keep improving your skills and auditioning
Part 4 of 4: Living the Trainee Lifestyle
Step 1. Remember that making new friends is not easy for strangers
Usually, trainees are asked to sign long-term contracts and work with other trainees for more than 18 hours a day. If you don't speak Korean or don't understand the culture, be patient until you meet new friends and adapt.
Learn to communicate clearly with others, especially if there is a language barrier. Be kind to others. This is very useful when you are away from home to achieve success and make new friends
Step 2. Read the contract carefully before entering into a partnership with a company
Remember that being a K-pop trainee is a long term commitment! Some companies ask trainees to sign contracts that expire 5-6 years later. Make sure you read and understand the contents of the contract as best you can. If you don't understand Korean, hire a professional lawyer and have him check every clause in the contract.
Many companies ask trainees to return their salaries if they cancel their contracts and do not provide accommodation in the event of an emergency or health problem. Don't sign anything as long as you don't understand its contents
Step 3. Take care of your health so that you are ready to implement a very busy workout schedule
Usually, trainees are active from 05.00 or 06.00 in the morning until midnight or at 01.00 in the morning. In addition to attending training, you have to do assignments or practice on your own.
- Companies often arrange schedules for trainees without being applied first.
- Oftentimes, trainees lack a night's sleep and cannot eat regularly 3 times a day.
Step 4. Prepare for an evaluation by taking a test every month
Even though they have passed the audition, newly joined trainees must be evaluated once a month to ensure all personnel meet the standards. Every month, trainees face stressful moments because the company will terminate the contract if the evaluation results are not satisfactory.
Usually, the company provides training to 20-30 trainees who have just passed the audition. So, you will compete with your classmates in order to continue training
Tips
- Be polite to everyone when auditioning. You don't know who's watching your moves!
- Read reviews of trainees and K-pop stars about the companies that recruited them because the information reveals a lot about the company so you can make a choice.
- Prepare yourself for whatever will happen. For example, if your voice cracks during an audition, continue singing, instead of feeling hesitant or giving up.
