Introduction

Since the disbandment of his group MADTOWN, former member H.O has maintained his presence in the entertainment industry as a broadcaster on Afreeca TV, running a popular stream titled H.O Tube. In a recent session, H.O candidly shared insights into his experiences as a trainee at JYP Entertainment, aiming to guide aspiring singers on their path to stardom.

Dreaming of becoming an idol or a member of a band? Take note of H.O’s revelations—they just might influence your journey!

The Monthly Evaluation Process

H.O elaborated on JYP's stringent monthly evaluation process, a common practice among major entertainment companies, where trainees are assessed on their progress and dedication. "Each month, you must showcase improvement in your skills. Coaches are keen observers; they want to see how far you've come and how committed you are to your craft," he explained.

During these evaluations, if management perceives a trainee as showing potential—evidenced through hard work and genuine improvement—they will continue their training journey. However, the stakes are high. "If they sense a lack of progress or passion after two or three evaluations, you may find yourself replaced by new trainees. Competition is incredibly fierce," H.O emphasized.

Constant Surveillance

Moreover, H.O revealed an intriguing aspect of JYP's training environment: constant surveillance. "There are cameras everywhere in the training center, monitoring your every move," he said. "I managed to identify blind spots—I needed my breaks too!"

Prohibition of Korean Songs

Perhaps the most surprising revelation was about the song selection for evaluations. At JYP, trainees are prohibited from singing Korean songs during these assessments! "If you ask a vocal coach if you can perform a Korean song, expect to be firmly told 'no.' Instead, you must choose an English pop song," H.O shared, expressing his confusion over this rule. "Even years later, I still don’t understand why Korean songs are off-limits during evaluations."

This unusual policy has sparked curiosity and debate among fans and aspiring trainees alike. Some speculate that singing in English aims to expand trainees' international appeal in the global market. Others see it as a way to push trainees out of their comfort zones.

Conclusion

As the competition within the K-pop industry grows, insights from veterans like H.O shed light on the intricate and sometimes bewildering rules governing trainee life. Will these revelations alter the way aspiring idols approach their training? Only time will tell!