SM Entertainment’s “Predatory” Audition Announcement Met With Massive Criticism

“…after continuously disrespecting and disregarding global fans’ opinions.”
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Koreaboo

The first step for many idol hopefuls is to audition for the companies of their choice. Every label holds announced auditions each year, sometimes in multiple locations worldwide, giving individuals their chance to impress.

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| JYP Entertainment

Recently, SM Entertainment‘s audition announcement resulted in the company gaining massive criticism.

When entertainment companies open auditions, the announcement usually includes key details, including the locations, times, and dates. Some specifically announce if they are also seeking out male or female trainees, sometimes openly stating it is for a boy or girl group project.

On December 12, SM Entertainment shared that it would be holding global auditions in the new year. The official poster shared that these auditions would take place in Korea, China, Japan, the United States, and Canada.

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| SM Entertainment

The website also listed out more details about the audition, including how it would take place. However, the item that stood out the most to many is the age requirements.

These SM Auditions are open to anyone born in 2005 to 2015, which means they would be at the most 20 years old or at the youngest 9 years old.

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While the upper age is actually higher than some companies allow, the minimum age did not sit well with netizens for a variety of reasons.

For one, many did not feel it would be right for a a child that young to join SM Entertainment and take part in the harsh idol trainee lifestyle. While a nine year old might not debut right away, it is still possible they would debut at a younger age than many feel is appropriate.

Others brought up the recent issues that SM Idols have dealt with, criticizing the company for trying to add new trainees when it hasn’t protected its current artists. The situation with RIIZE’s Seunghan was also mentioned, with netizens calling out SM for holding global auditions.

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