From BTS to Blackpink – what it takes to become a K-pop idol in South Korea

Jan 30 , 2020

K-pop boy band BTS have been hugely successful at establishing a connection with their fan base. Photo: Getty Images

Bigbang’s G-Dragon spent 11 years in training – five years with SM Entertainment and six at YG, but the king of K-pop has become one of the first crossover K-pop artists

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

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.

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

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.

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.