Have you ever wondered what ties together popular K-pop idols like Cha Eun-woo, Twice's Dahyun, and NewJeans' Minji? Beyond their incredible talent and worldwide fame, these superstars share a common foundation: they all graduated from Hanlim Arts High School, one of South Korea’s premier institutions dedicated to the arts.

What Makes Hanlim a Breeding Ground for K-pop Sensations?

Located in the vibrant Songpa District, Hanlim Arts High School is a haven for aspiring entertainers, offering specialized training across six distinctive departments—Entertainment, Musical Theatre, Dance, Music, Fashion Modeling, and Filmmaking. This is not your typical high school education; students dive deep into coursework covering everything from songwriting and music theory to movement techniques and catwalking, positioning them on a fast track to success in the entertainment industry.

Life Inside Hanlim: A Firsthand Look

During a recent visit, we got a firsthand look at life inside Hanlim, chatting with rising K-pop stars Kim Seung-mo, 18, known by his stage name Seungmo, and Park Bo-eun, 16, or Boeun. Seungmo is the youngest member of the boy group AMPERS&ONE, while Boeun shines as the lead vocalist of the girl group CLASS:y. Their groups are gaining momentum, even earning nominations like Best New Male Artist at the upcoming 2024 MAMA Awards!

Balancing School and K-pop Stardom

Both idols radiated positivity and professionalism during our conversation, embodying the mantra of being “very demure, very mindful.” When asked why they chose Hanlim, Seungmo emphasized the strategic advantage: "I felt attending an arts school would be more beneficial for my entertainment career compared to a regular high school." He believes that Hanlim's rigorous training can help him become a versatile performer, mastering both acting and dance.

Boeun's insights mirrored this sentiment, sharing that she enrolled to "solidify foundational skills" despite her quick rise to fame. "The variety of subjects has been extremely helpful in shaping my career," she remarked.

A Typical Day for Aspiring Idols

So, what does a typical day look like? For these young stars, it means focusing on specialized classes while balancing additional lessons and professional commitments in the evenings. But can they maintain the delicate balance between education and the relentless demands of K-pop stardom?

Boeun revealed, "While our school emphasizes practical skills, I'm thankful for the academic classes that ensure a well-rounded education. Although I don’t have a lot of free time, I cherish those moments when I'm not working."

Support and Understanding at Hanlim

However, the K-pop industry’s cyclical nature often creates scheduling conflicts with their academic responsibilities. Seungmo reassured us, saying, "The teachers at Hanlim are incredibly supportive. They provide extra help so we can catch up after any missed classes due to our professional commitments."

Kim Jinny, the school's public relations director, explained that Hanlim allows for up to 63 days of absence annually, categorizing professional activities as "experiential learning." Yet, she was clear that attendance is mandatory for critical evaluations and exams, ensuring that learning remains a priority.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Mental health is another vital aspect, with officials recognizing the psychological pressure that both students and idols experience. Hanlim offers extensive support programs and counseling services, partnering with agencies like the Korea Creative Content Agency to provide resources aimed at ensuring students' well-being.

Innovative Curriculum Adaptation

Furthermore, Hanlim continually adapts its curriculum to keep pace with technological advancements in the entertainment sector. For instance, the filmmaking department has become the first in South Korea to offer a major in content creation, while the music department now incorporates courses on AI-related music composition.

Redefining Success in K-pop

Despite these innovative initiatives, success in the competitive world of K-pop is not guaranteed. But Hanlim takes a unique stance on redefining what success means, encouraging students to explore various pathways—whether that leads to becoming a star or thriving in other roles behind the scenes.

Ko Min-soo, dean of the media arts department, asserts, "Every student has the potential to become a star, but it’s equally important for them to understand the joy of the journey, regardless of the outcome." This ethos allows for diverse career possibilities, crafting graduates ready to take on the world.

Conclusion: The Dream of Hanlim Arts High School

So, is attending Hanlim Arts High School the ultimate dream for aspiring idols? With a blend of rigorous training, academic rigor, and a supportive environment, it certainly sets the stage for success—but perhaps even more importantly, it equips students with the resilience to pursue their passions, whatever they may be.