Major Regrets? 7 Successful K-Pop Idols That Auditioned For JYP Entertainment But Didn't Debut There

Despite being big names in the K-Pop world, these idols faced complications on their road to debut. Check out which of K-Pop’s superstars have had their beginnings at JYP Entertainment’s auditioning grounds before finding their homes in their current companies!

1. BTS’s J-Hope

Before debuting with the popular idol group BTS, J-Hope auditioned for JYP Entertainment. He made it to the final round of JYPE’s 6th Open Auditions held on February 21, 2010—alongside other current K-Pop idols like Ha Sungwoon and Yook Sungjae. He won a “Popularity Award” as part of the Male Dance team during this audition.

J-Hope (bottom, center) as a part of the Male Dance Team at JYPE’s 6th Open Audition. | *@sac_art/Naver*

Male Dance Team winning the Popularity Award at JYPE’s 6th Open Audition | *@sac_art/Naver*

During a recent interview on IU‘s Palette, J-Hope confirmed that in 9th grade, he “passed an open audition” for JYPE. Then, in the same year, he became an official trainee for Big Hit Entertainment, debuting three years later with the group the whole world knows, BTS.

When I was in my third year of middle school, I took part in… What’s it called, the open auditions? Yeah, I’m from JYPE’s open auditions. Starting with that one, I auditioned for Big Hit. So I was lucky. The timing worked out for me.

— J-Hope

2. EXO’s Xiumin

The line up of EXO could have been entirely different had Xiumin been accepted as a trainee for JYP Entertainment when he auditioned in 2008. Fortunately for Xiumin, that didn’t mark the end of his career as he was cast by SM Entertainment after participating in SM Entertainment’s “Everysing Contest” later that year.

3. DEAN

DEAN is one of the most well-known solo artists at the moment. Before making his debut as a solo artist, though, he was turned down by JYP Entertainment. DEAN auditioned for JYP Entertainment when he was only 17 years old, but was rejected; Then, a year later, he began writing songs for K-Pop acts such as EXO and VIXX.

4. GFRIEND’s Yuju

Yuju auditioned for the first season of K-Pop Star, and while Yang Hyun Suk gave her praise, she was immediately shot down by Park Jin Young for her “average singing and dancing,” and failed to advance further in the show.

JYP failed a young girl during an audition but now she’s a top level K-Pop idol

5. IU

Before being one of the most well known and successful solo singers, IU was on a very bumpy road to stardom. She had performed at 20+ auditions, including one at JYPE, over the course of two years and was rejected every time.

Fortunately, Loen Entertainment recognized her talent, signed her in 2007, and debuted her in 2008. Park Jin Young revealed that he fully regrets his decision as she is full of both charm and talent.

6. CL

During an appearance on MBC‘s Radio Star, 2AM‘s Jo Kwon shared that CL was a trainee at JYP Entertainment for a period of time. While she was unable to debut at JYPE, she quickly found a new home at YG Entertainment and debuted with 2NE1, a second generation group that all K-Pop fans know and worship to this day.

7. Lee Daehwi (AB6IX)

Lee Daehwi was a well-known JYP Entertainment trainee during his time there, participating in the company’s trainee showcases. However, he transferred to Brand New Music and later appeared under the label for Produce 101 Season 2. He debuted with WANNA ONE, and later, with AB6IX.