From BTS to Blackpink – what it takes

to become a K-pop idol in South Korea

[1]It takes grit, passion, commitment and luck to become a South Korean K-pop idol and to enjoy global
success. Ever wondered what it takes to be an idol?
Practice and auditions
[2]The first goal: get into an agency and sign as a trainee. A few lucky ones might be discovered by a talent
scout at random, but most idol-wannabes go through auditions. According to K-pop news site Koreaboo: “it’s
not uncommon for kids to participate in 30-plus auditions”. Most children audition as early as 10-years-old, so
one can only imagine when they start to practise singing and dancing.

[3]Entertainment agencies hold online and live global

auditions, opening opportunities to children from all over the
world, which eventually, will extend the group’s fan base
reach. Blackpink’s Lisa is one example, being the only one to
pass YG’s audition in Thailand during her time, and the only
foreigner YG trainee to have made it.
Idol life training
[4]To become a trainee is to have one foot in the door, making it as an idol is a far tougher proposition. With
contracts spanning an average of seven years, an agency will assess a trainee’s talent, his or her ability to blend
into a group, withstand the hardships of ‘idol life’, and avoid trouble.

[5]Bigbang’s G-Dragon spent 11 years in training – five years

with SM Entertainment and six at YG. The king of K-pop is
one of the first crossover K-pop artists, penetrating the
western market as a producer, songwriter, artist and
collaborator.
Image maintenance
[6]Beyond song and dance practices, trainees are expected to manage their public image, maintain a certain
weight, and be schooled on sex education, basic etiquette, media training and most of all, stay out of trouble –
refrain from drink-driving, doing drugs and scandals. Euny Hong wrote in The Paris Review: “K-pop star
training is an education of the whole person”.
[7]As a trainee, one can maintain a social media account, accept other jobs such as starring in television
commercials, music videos, or modelling for brands, while abiding by agency rules. Red Velvet’s Irene was an
SM Rookie in 2013, and appeared in Henry’s 1-4-3 music video, before her own debut.
Debut and re-debut
[8]Based on the trainees’ evaluation, the agency decides when they are ready to debut. However, debuting as an
idol isn’t the end of the road. While some K-pop groups quickly become household names, others fall by the
wayside.
[9]As consolation, idols who haven’t enjoyed their share of the spotlight or trainees who take long to debut can
get a second shot at fame by joining survival shows for a chance to retrain or re-debut.

Individual personalities
[10]One way for idol groups to gain popularity other than going on tours, fan meets and winning awards, are
through variety shows and interviews. It’s important for members to have personalities that allow them to bring
colour and charm to the group.
[11]Examples of stand-out members are: the fashion-savvy one, like Winner’s Mino; the eccentric one with a
4D personality, such as former 2NE1 member Park Bom; the bias wrecker, or the member that fans can’t help
but love other than their bias; the “mum of the group” or the member who is most affectionate; the member who
is excellent at fan service, and so on.
Fandoms
[12]It’s not enough for a group to be exceptionally talented. They must be able to establish a connection with
their fan base. Big Hit's Bang Si-hyuk, the mastermind behind BTS’ success, tells Time: “K-pop fans want to
feel close with their idols”. Indeed, ARMYs from all over the world have fallen in love with BTS for the
messages they find themselves resonating with amid the band’s powerful lyrics.
[13]BTS have also taken to social media to reach out and
directly connect with fans. The group’s success, after all, is
thanks in large part to their army of loyal fans.
1. What does it take to be an idol in South Korea?

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2. Does the writer know when children start training to be an
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3. What does an agency assess among the trainees to decide if
they could be an idol?

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4. What is the meaning of “etiquette” in paragraph 6?

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5. Why would Euny Hong say “K-pop star training is an
education of the whole person”?
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6. How can an idol re-debut?

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7. Why is it important for an idol to have personalities?
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8. Give one example of an idol stands out from his/her group
from the passage.
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9. What attributes the success of BTS?
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