Q&A for How to Be a K Pop Trainee

They will pay for the fee if you are overseas, most of the times if you are overseas and they ask you to pay, consider it a scam and don't pay the money. And normally it really depends on you, yourself. Trainees have different schedules like school. Some trainees may have dance, then singing, then rapping, then acting, then language it just really depends on you. And normally trainees wake up around 5 am.

You may audition in English or Korean.

Try using earphones while dancing or singing (or at least just an earbud). Close you eyes for a little bit. Then wing it, and for as long as you do it, you'll eventually get used to the feeling of being in front of others while dancing or singing.

Not necessarily. But if you're interested, go for it! The more versatility you have, the better.

Yes. If you speak Korean fluently, you will study in a normal school in Korea. If you don`t speak Korean, you will study in KENT. KENT is an international school in Korea.

They will notify you by giving you a text or a call. Your personal information would be in the form that you filled out before auditioning.

Every audition is different, some will take a few weeks, and in some cases you could know by the end of the day. On average it takes about a week or two, but if seems to be taking a long time, you could call or email the person in charge of the auditions.

Generally, if the company thinks you are good, then they will offer you a chance to be solo after you've been in a group. But, they may think you would be better being a solo artist, and may just make you solo without a group first.

Many K-pop stars are short, at least by Western standards. This should not be a problem. Stylists should be able to work with your height and make you look taller.

You will likely have to sing, dance, rap and answer questions about your life and ambitions during the audition.

Koreans will most likely expect an Asian K-Pop artist but don't let that hold you back, as you never know what might be special about you. While age isn't definite, youth is important and you may not that be popular if you are in your 30s + because mostly teenagers listen to K-Pop songs and want to identify with someone in their own age group.

Yes, and you can use it as an opportunity to challenge yourself not to be shy.

Companies have several people working on processing online auditions, they do see them all, even though it can take a while to get feedback.

Everything is free except if you want to leave, then you have to pay for everything they paid for, such your dorm as this is about repaying them.

No, you do not have to present a perfect image to be a K-pop star. If you have scars and want to try and remove them, you could purchase a scar removal cream at your local pharmacy and try to lighten the visibility of them. Try it out and don't let your insecurities hold you back!

Your company will pay for your food and lodging and generally will also include transportation for when your contract ends. Or, you can save money from your salary to pay for your own transportation.

No. Every company has its own days, months and even years, and they might not even have one at all.

If you wish to audition doing a rap, make sure you know the verse like the back of your hand. Some hand gestures come naturally to someone who raps, such as pointing or small hand movements. Overdoing such movements may make you look awkward and as if you're trying too hard. Keep the movements minimal and you should be fine.

The age of trainees varies from person to person. Some start as early as 11, but others don't get their starts until they are in their late teens. If you are at least under 25, you should still give it a try! You never know what could happen.

Some will accept this, but each company has different rules.

Pay attention to the judges and if they ask, you can tell them what you'd prefer. But if they don't ask it would be better to not bring it up because it could make you look demanding.

The company only pays to house you in a dorm. You will pay for transportation, food, and a place to stay until the dorm comes through.

Absolutely! You can already see Alexandra Reid, who is an African American girl who was in the K-pop group called "Rania". If you have talent, you can potentially make it anywhere.

No, maybe a few knew some words but they teach Korean even from scratch, for example, Amber - F(x) is actually Chinese and had to learn Korean.

Yes, I know quite a few idols who auditioned with an English song, so I think that would be okay!

No, you have to develop that on your own. In fact, they will look at your signature as a mark of individuality. See How to Sign a Cool Signature for some helpful tips.

Then, unfortunately, you're out of work in that company. You can always try to audition elsewhere, or try again at that company another year, if allowed.

Yes, if you have extraordinary talent, but some companies don't accept that method and you will have to audition online or in South Korea.

Not at all! You can wear glasses or contacts.

An American can become a K-Pop star if you work hard enough. While many companies lean more towards Asians, if you work hard you can get in. In terms of doing a workout, work out about an hour after you wake up, just taking a thirty minute jog for a work out. In terms of practicing, practice every night before bed, for about two hours.