The South Korean music industry has grown immensely and has been reflected in recent years, in which artists of the genre known as K-pop have won thousands of fans around the world.

Perhaps you have seen them on the Internet or on TV. Large groups that dance with an almost unrealistic synchronization to the rhythm of the most catchiest songs. But have you ever stopped to wonder how do such groups form? Where do they come from? Do all of them know each other? And another question people like to ask me: Are they robots? Questions like these are very important to ask when learning the genre of K-pop because the music industry on the other side of the sea is very different from what we know in America. 

In countries like South Korea and Japan, artists are often called idols who, as the name implies, are idolized by their followers. In the United States, this class of celebrities usually jump to fame by a different means: they were either discovered on YouTube, participated in a popular television competition, or already knew someone within the industry who could help them out.

However, in South Korea, the usual “formula” to create these idols is by participating in auditions organized by the country’s major entertainment companies. This is what is known as the trainee system. Unlike the music industry in other countries, K-pop groups are “manufactured” by the great South Korean entertainment companies, with the aim of commercial success. Among the largest and most successful companies are YG, SM and JYP, also known as “The Big 3.” Some of them also look for potential members abroad, such as SM, which has even carried out selection processes in countries such as Argentina, Mexico and Chile.

In the selection process, agencies look for new singers, dancers, actors, and models. Therefore, participants must demonstrate their talent in several or all of these areas. Those who meet the company’s expectations will be accepted as trainees. Sadly, physical appearance seems to be a major factor in the decision making process. This is one of the most criticized elements of the system because of the implication that “being handsome or pretty” is the same or more important than having a powerful voice or demonstrating incredible dance capability. 

To add, there is no minimum age that a candidate must meet to become a trainee or idol, therefore there are many groups with very young members. For example, the recently debuted group X1 has member Nam Do Hyon, who is only 14 years old and trained for a period of 5 months. 

Becoming a trainee is just the first step of a long road. During their time as trainees, the company will provide singing, dancing, acting and whatever they deem necessary to train their artists. Those selected to be trainees also decide if they will continue with their academic education while they train. In addition to that, they must follow the strict regulations stipulated by the agency.

The duration of this learning is indefinite, and the companies are in charge of deciding if the person is ready to debut, when their debut date will be, and whether the person will debut as a soloist or in a group. To further explain the contrast of the duration of a trainee period: within K-pop group NCT, the Korean-American Johnny was a trainee for 9 years. While bandmate, Chenle, only trained for 4 months.

Johnny Suh, idol from Chicago, debuting in subgroup NCT 127’s song ‘Limitless’ (2017) after being a trainee for 9 years

Chenle, idol from China, makes his debut in subgroup NCT Dream’s song ‘Chewing Gum’ (2016) after only 4 months of being a trainee

Although it may seem shocking, being hired by a company is in no way a guarantee of success. In fact, some agencies organize reality shows so that some of their trainees may compete and decide who will be part of the final line-up for a group. This occurred with groups like Monsta X and VIXX. Others, on the other hand, participate in external competitions with hopes to be released as artists. This happened with groups Wanna One and I.O.I, whose winners left the survival show Produce 101 to become successful in their respective groups. 

Although this trainee system has been heavily criticized for being considered an “idol factory” that only wants to generate the highest possible profits, the methodology must also be applauded for the triumphs it has cultivated over the years. K-pop has expanded abroad and its popularity is in part due to the quality of its artists, who had to pass rigorous learning tests before stepping on stage.