K-pop singers were training before they became stars.At a very young age, trainees live, train, and perform together.If you're a little older, don't despair, some people start as young as 11 years old, but many never get discovered and join a company until they are in their late teens!Many K-pop trainees and idols are Korean, but it is not a requirement to be Korean.There are a lot of factors that affect your potential success.
Step 1: Dance classes can help you become a better and more versatile dancer.
If you don't have much practice dancing yet, take as many classes as you can.Hip hop and urban dancing should be the focus.It's a big part of being a trainee.It includes dancing.The internet can be used to learn new skills.
Step 2: A vocal coach will help you improve your singing abilities.
You could still learn something from a coach even if you are already a great singer.They can give you tips to increase your endurance.It is okay if your main skill is dancing.If you have the ability to sing, you will have a better chance of getting noticed when auditioning for a job.
Step 3: You need to work on your rap skills to complete your skill set.
Rapping can be fun in the K-pop lifestyle.You can get an idea of the rhythm by listening to more rap music.Practice tongue twisters to loosen your lips if you get caught up on the words.
Step 4: Writing your own music is a good way to perfect your songs.
You will need to perform songs that the producers know, but you will also have to write and create your own music.It is a good idea to work on both aspects of being a performer.If you can, take a music writing class and listen to K-pop and watch music videos to start emulating popular styles.
Step 5: Understand Korean beauty standards.
Many companies will accept non-Koreans, but you will still cater to a largely Korean audience.If you are not familiar with the culture, it is a good idea to learn about it.Spend time on Korean fashion websites and study popular K-pop groups.It will show the producers that you are willing to work hard to be a part of the culture if you aren't Korean.
Step 6: If it isn't a language you know, learn to speak Korean.
Make sure you know basic phrases like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.If you become a trainee, you will have to sing in Korean at least some of the time, and knowing the language will help you get around in South Korea.You can download an app if you can't take a Korean language class.
Step 7: Be careful with what you write on social media.
Good manners and behaving properly are a big part of being a successful trainee.If you're at a party where there is alcohol, try to stay away from it.Use caution when posting on social media.Managers and executives have access to your accounts.People who are willing to work hard and have the right skill are sought after by producers.They don't want trainees who end up in the spotlight because they are often in trouble or causing drama.
Step 8: If you want to create a following and a channel on YouTube, you should use it.
You should start recording your original songs and covers.You can experiment with videos that show you talking about your experience in pursuing a career in K-pop.When looking for new recruits, producers often visit YouTube channels.Research different ways to grow your audience, and create a schedule for posting so that you are regularly adding new content to your channel.
Step 9: And be in good physical condition.
Some companies will happily accept recruits who are a little bigger, while others will not.You need to be able to keep up with the rigorous physical requirements if you are a large person.If you want to lose weight or are out of shape, try to eat more whole foods and incorporate daily exercise into your routine.
Step 10: Do you want to auditioning for a company?
SM, JYP, YG, Cube, LOen, Woolim, and BigHit are some of the major K-pop companies.Some companies focus on people who match a certain aesthetic and already know how to sing and dance, while others don't mind taking someone who looks a little different from the norm or who needs more training in a particular area.If you come across an opportunity, you could try out for it, but it might be expensive and time consuming.It is a good idea to look for the company that is most likely to accept you.If you are under 14, a legal guardian will need to attend or sign off on the auditioning for you.
Step 11: When auditioning, be confident and an expert in your skill.
The majority of K-pop trainees are good at singing, dancing, or rapping.Make sure you have a strong skill and familiarity with everything else.If you are the strongest at dancing, take classes and hone that skill as best as you can, but also work on your singing and rapping, too.Regardless of where you end up, you will be taking hours and hours of classes for all of the skills needed to be a K-pop idol.If you have a strength when you add, you could stand out to the producers.
Step 12: Prepare 3 songs, one should be Korean.
If you want to make your song selections, you need to think about where your talent shines.The producers will get a chance to see your skill if you choose one song that is in Korean that showcases your rapping and dancing skills, choose another that exhibits another type of dancing, and then choose a song you absolutely love.If you want to see what other hopefuls are doing, check out the videos on YouTube.
Step 13: If you want to give out headshots, get them done.
You can either do them yourself or have them done by a professional.Take pictures from the front and profile, and include pictures of your face as well as your body.Producers want to see your face on its own, so don't wear a lot of makeup.
Step 14: On your auditioning day, wear your normal clothes and makeup.
The judges want to see what your face and body look like without makeup.When you perform or make public appearances, your clothes, makeup, and hair will be decided by the company that you live in.If you are auditioning to see your idol, don't wear K-pop fan clothing.
Step 15: If you are overseas you can submit an online audition.
Chances are you can find a live one in your country.If you want to submit more work, you can check out the online forum at each company's website.People can try out online for a chance to be a trainees.Don't discount the possibility of getting discovered through an online audition, even if it's only for the experience and opportunity.
Step 16: It can take a long time to get accepted as a trainee!
A lot of people wait a long time before auditioning for a job.Before your next one, make sure to incorporate feedback from your previous one.If a judge tells you that you need to work on your vocal strength, you should see a vocal coach.If you are older and still not a trainee, don't worry.K-pop idols didn't start in a company until they were in their teens.Attend and work on your skills.
Step 17: It might be hard to make friends if you are a foreigner.
They spend up to 18 hours a day with the other trainees.It can take a while before you make friends and feel like you fit in if you are not familiar with the culture.If there is a language barrier, try to communicate clearly with others.It can go a long way when you are away from home and trying to be successful while also making friends.
Step 18: Before committing to a company, read your contract carefully.
Being a K-pop trainee is a longterm commitment.You may be asked to sign a 3-6 year contract by some companies.The contract language needs to be read and reviewed very closely.A professional lawyer will review the fine print if you don't speak Korean.You have to repay your salary if you break your contract.They don't make accommodations for emergencies or health issues.Don't sign anything until you understand it.
Step 19: Take good care of your body.
Many people work until midnight or 1 am.In addition to training, you may need to do schoolwork or practice on your own.The schedule is usually set by the company before they run it by their trainees.Trainees don't get the recommended amount of sleep every night, and they rarely eat meals at regular intervals.
Step 20: Prepare for evaluation tests.
Everyone at the company is evaluated on a monthly basis to make sure that the recruits are up to standard.Every month the company could decide to let you go if you don't perform well.If you want to keep your place at the company, you are going to have to compete with your classmates.