BETA
Chapter 1
The birth of a musical revolution
Chapter 2
Inside the idol training system
Chapter 3
The ultimate fan experience
Chapter 4
Visuals, concepts, and complex lore
YOUR GOAL
Master of The world of K-pop
Ch 2 · Inside the idol training system
sonia Inside the idol training system
Trainee life, / Perfect sync, / Standing on the brink!
sonia Television audition programs allow the public to vote on trainees, creating temporary superstar groups with built-in, highly dedicated fanbases.
sonia A handful of powerful entertainment agencies, historically known as the Big Three plus HYBE, control and shape the K-pop landscape.
Fun Fact
Trainee language lessons: K-pop agencies hire professional tutors to teach trainees foreign languages like Japanese, Chinese, and English to prepare them for global promotions.
Glossary
trainee (noun)
A person who is undergoing training for a particular job or profession. SM Entertainment pioneered a highly structured preparation regimen in the late 1990s for these aspiring performers.
A person who is undergoing training for a particular job or profession. SM Entertainment pioneered a highly structured preparation regimen in the late 1990s for these aspiring performers.
Quiz
What is the official status of an aspiring K-pop artist before they are selected to debut in a group?
Quiz
Which entertainment agency, founded by Lee Soo-man in 1995, pioneered the structured K-pop trainee system?
Quiz
Which major entertainment company, founded by singer Park Jin-young, produced groups like Twice, Stray Kids, and Itzy?
Quiz
What Korean term is used within the K-pop industry to describe the youngest member of a group?
Quiz
What is the name of the high-stakes assessments where agency executives judge a trainee's skills and progress?
Quiz
Which agency, known for its distinct hip-hop-influenced style, debuted groups like Big Bang, 2NE1, and Blackpink?
Quiz
In a typical K-pop group, which member is officially designated to handle public speaking and resolve internal conflicts?