9 Things Every Trainee MUST Go Through Before They Can Debut And Become Successful

Find out the different steps many Hallyu stars have taken to become what they are now.

Step One: Pre-audition training

It all starts with training! With so much competition, kids spend years practicing. Even with lots of hard work and talent, it may take several auditions for someone to get accepted as a trainee.

If they’re really lucky, they may just end up joining a company through street casting rather than an audition.

SM Entertainment Cast These Idols Off The Street Because Of Their Legendary Visuals

Step Two: Auditioning

If they aren’t lucky enough to be street casted, then someone who hopes to become an idol must attend auditions It’s not uncommon for kids to participate in 30+ auditions.

9 Idols Who Were Rejected By Almost Every Agency…Until They Finally Succeeded

Step Three: Signing Contracts

Upon passing an audition, they may be offered a trainee contract — which lasts around 2 to 4 years. This isn’t a guarantee of debut; it’s simply a contract to accept an individual into the company’s training regimen.

These contracts are how rookie teams – like the famous SM Rookies or JYP Trainees are set up.

Step Four: Rigorous Training

The trainees undergo intense training in singing, dance, acting, language and more while competing with each other for the spotlight.

Only a small percentage will pass and be offered an artist contract. Some trainees stay that way for years before they are offered a chance at debut.

9 Idols Who Had The Longest Trainee Periods Before They Could Debut

Step Five: Dropping Out of School

Many trainees choose to drop out of school, as a trainee’s day might last up to 15 hours, from 10 am to 10 pm with extra practice running late into the evenings.

If they don’t fully drop out, they are often homeschooled or spend large parts of their year away from classes.

Graduation Photos Released Of Popular Idols Who Just Graduated High School

Step Six: Extra “Homework”

Mandatory exercise, regulated meals, and regular weigh-ins keep the aspiring stars’ bodies in check.

Media training, sex education & etiquette lessons are also provided on top of regular training.

Step Seven: Recognizing Low Chances

Despite this rigorous training, only a small percentage of trainees being able actually join groups and debut. The agencies hand pick their favourite trainees or the trainees that fit the concept of the next group they want to debut.

Step Eight: Debut

While debuting is an accomplishment after years of hard preparation, in actually its just another level of competition.

With so many groups, the idols have to work even harder to get their group known and recognized, otherwise they may end up going through re-training and new re-debut programs like Produce 101, MIX NINE, or The Unit.

Step Nine: Achieve Fame

The successful groups will experience incredible fame — marketing contracts, films, mansions, and more extravagance comes alongside a K-Pop career.

They’ll hold larger and larger concerts, experience touring, meet fans, and more frequently learn how to produce, write, and extend creative freedom over their work.

The dream that began at a young age finally comes true.