Have you ever looked at idols like Jungkook or Jimin and thought, “I want to be like them one day”? Maybe you practice in your room, learn dances from TikTok, or sing in front of your mirror. Becoming a Kpop idol might seem impossible but it’s not. It all starts with becoming a Kpop trainee.
Trainees are people who are selected by entertainment companies to learn how to sing, dance, and perform. Most idols train for years before they finally debut. Some are chosen through auditions. Others are found on the street. A few even start by uploading videos online.
This guide gives you 14 real ways to become a Kpop trainee. These are the same paths many current idols followed. If you’re ready to try, here’s what you need to know one step at a time.
1. Join an Online or Global Audition
Most of us don’t live in Seoul or have idols for cousins. But thanks to global auditions, that doesn’t matter.
Big companies like JYP, SM, HYBE, and YG hold regular online auditions where anyone can submit videos of singing, dancing, or rapping. Some even have categories like acting or modeling. Just choose the right type, upload your best clip, and hit submit.
It’s the most accessible way to get noticed but it’s also competitive. To stand out, keep it simple, clear, and honest. No fancy edits. Just you, the camera, and whatever makes you shine.
2. Train at a Kpop Academy
Kpop academies are like boot camps but with mirrors, practice rooms, and Korean instructors shouting “one more time!”If you’re serious and can afford it, joining a Kpop academy in Korea (like DEF, Born Star, or Cube Studio) gives you structured training in vocals, dance, language, and even facial expressions.
Some academies also help you audition. They’ll coach you, film your tapes, and even recommend you directly to companies they’re partnered with. You don’t have to be in Korea to start many now offer online courses for international students. So, no excuses.
3. Attend a Survival Show
Yes, the dramatic music, vote eliminations, and intense crying from Produce 101 or I-LAND can actually lead to a debut. If you’re skilled and confident, auditioning for a survival show might fast-track your career.
Not only do you get insane exposure, but companies often scout contestants even the ones who don’t make it to the final debut line-up. Just remember, survival shows are not just about talent they’re about popularity, teamwork, growth, and having that “Kpop Girl/Boy Icon” spark.
4. Get Street Casted (Yes, It’s a Thing)
If you live in or visit Korea, especially Seoul, you might just get scouted. Agency reps often walk around popular areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, or outside music schools looking for potential trainees.
They look for visuals first height, symmetry, aura. If you match what they’re looking for, they’ll approach you and ask if you’re interested in auditioning. Sometimes they’ll give you a business card and invite you to the company.
But be careful: not all casting offers are legit. Always verify if the person is actually from the agency, and never pay any upfront fees.
5. Sign Up Through a Referral (Insider Route)
This is the most low-key way into the trainee world. Some trainees don’t go through open auditions or casting they get in because someone recommended them. This could be a vocal coach, dance teacher, academy instructor, or even a former idol who knows someone in the company.
It doesn’t mean you skip the audition completely but it does mean your application is taken more seriously. If you’re lucky, you might even go straight to final rounds. So if you’re already training somewhere? Impress your instructors. Build connections. You never know who’s watching.
6. Win or Stand Out in a Talent Contest
This one’s old-school but still works local singing contests, dance battles, or even YouTube challenges can be your stepping stone.
Entertainment companies sometimes hold their own competitions in specific countries (like JYP’s “Global Audition Tour”) or support Kpop-themed contests run by embassies or Korean cultural centers.
If you win or even place you’re on their radar. Many idols were discovered through random school festivals or small local events. It all counts.
7. Apply for Monthly or Rolling Auditions at Agencies
Major entertainment companies like SM, HYBE, YG, and JYP often have monthly or open rolling auditions listed on their official websites.
These aren’t special or seasonal they’re open all year long. You just go to their site, fill out the form, upload your video (usually singing, dancing, or rapping), and wait. Sometimes they give results in weeks. Sometimes, never. But it’s free and worth trying.
There’s no limit to how many you can apply to, either. Many trainees audition at 10+ companies before getting picked up. Some even retry the same company months later with better skills.
8. Train Through Online Idol Bootcamps
With more people joining the fandom globally, a few companies and academies have started remote trainee programs or online Kpop training camps. These give aspiring idols (especially international fans) a chance to build skills from home.
These bootcamps include virtual dance classes, vocal coaching, feedback sessions, and audition preparation. You usually pay for access, but you’re getting real training and in some cases, the agency itself is watching.
You won’t “debut” through this, but you might catch attention, improve your portfolio, and gain confidence to try real auditions.
9. Use YouTube or TikTok as a Portfolio
Sounds silly? Not anymore. Some idols like Bang Yedam (former TREASURE) and even Rosé (BLACKPINK) were known before their official debut because of performance clips on social media.
Companies are scouting social platforms constantly. So, if you’re uploading dance covers, singing clips, or original choreography? Tag the right keywords, make it high-quality, and stay consistent. Your feed is your stage now. And your followers are your early fans.
10. Get Noticed Through a Kpop Cover Crew
If you’re not training yet but want to get real-life experience, joining a Kpop cover dance crew can help. Not only does it build your stage confidence, but many cover groups are scouted for shows, brand deals, or special events.
It’s also great for networking meeting people who are already in the industry or aiming to be. Some idols (especially in 4th gen) got noticed during street performances or from fancams posted online. If you perform confidently in public, you’re already practicing idol energy.
11. Get a Referral Through Your School or Teacher
Some high schools and colleges especially performing arts schools have connections with casting directors or idol agencies.
If you’re studying music, dance, or drama, your teacher could be your referral. In some cases, agencies even hold private auditions for schools known for producing talent.
Don’t underestimate this route. Even if you’re not in Korea, you can ask your music teacher or mentor to recommend or record you. That’s how a few idols started by being the “best student” in the class.
12. Enter Through an Entertainment Academy Partnership
Some smaller entertainment companies partner with academies, both inside and outside Korea. These partnerships often involve scouting students from their classes or shortlisting talent for direct auditions.
For example, Korean academies may have agreements with agencies like Cube or DSP, so their top trainees get a chance to audition privately or bypass certain rounds.
The same goes for international academies with Kpop programs like in Japan, Thailand, or even the U.S. If you’re already enrolled somewhere, ask about any official industry ties.
13. Join a Company Through Private Recommendation or Family Connection
Let’s not pretend: sometimes people get in through who they know. Maybe a family friend works at an agency. Maybe your cousin is a stylist for idols. Maybe your older sibling was a trainee.
While this route isn’t something you can “apply” for, it’s still a way people become trainees. Private invitations or internal referrals do happen, and if you know someone in the business, they might be able to help you get that first audition.
It’s not about cheating the system. It’s about proximity. Just don’t rely only on this still work on your skills.
14. Join a Dance or Singing Contest Hosted by a Label
Some companies host nationwide or regional competitions specifically to scout new talent. These are different from auditions they’re public, competitive, and often judged live.
Contests like “JYP Music Festival,” “Loen Audition Contest,” or even embassy-run talent shows (especially in Southeast Asia) are real ways people get signed. You’ll need to prep hard and bring your A-game, but it also gives you great content to submit later win or not.
<Which K-pop Trainee Path Fits You Best?
Your Ideal Trainee Path:
Conclusion
Now you know 14 different ways to become a Kpop trainee. These are not fantasy they are real paths that idols before you have taken. Some are simple, like sending in an online video. Others need time, training, and trust. But each one is a door.
You don’t need to try all of them at once. Start with one. Train, improve, and try again if you need to. Becoming a Kpop trainee is not just about being perfect. It’s about showing that you’re ready to grow and work hard.
Your dreams of being part of a group, standing on stage, or becoming the next Kpop Girls Icon or Jimin Park Aesthetic they begin with one step.
