SM training system

How to get into and be 'discovered' by SM Entertainment...

It was not easy for trainees of SM Entertainment to finally make it big in showbiz. Although Heechul already had fans since his training days because of his unique fashion sense and Girls’ Generation member So Hyun was just discovered in a subway, they had to go through intensive training.

Aside from auditions held every Saturday at 3 pm in SM Entertainment’s head office in Apkujeong, Seoul, where Super Junior’s Heechul and Girls’ Generations’ Yoona was discovered, aspiring SM artists participate in its “Youth Best Selection,” wherein applicants are classified into a certain group of “expertise” and battle it out to be the winner within the group. TVXQ’s Hero and Max, Super Junior’s Shindong and Kangin and actress Go Ara were selected as trainees through this casting system. Every year, more than 7,000 people compete in the “Youth Best Selection,” which is held in 5 cities in Korea.

SM Entertainment also holds global auditions in the US and Asia. Super Junior’s Hankyung became a trainee after being selected in a global audition.

Technology has also brought about new ways of auditioning. Now, trainee applicants can submit recordings through CD and mail and participate in ARS and UCC auditions.

If getting in is already a challenge, then being a trainee is harder. Trainees go through vocal, dance, acting lessons and even foreign language and composition trainings.

Training also lasts for a long time. Girls’ Generation’s members had to go through an average of 5 years in training. In fact, members Soo Young, Jessica and Hyo Yeon had to train for almost 7 years to become versatile entertainers.

Moreover, as SM Entertainment regularly holds recitals, trainees push themselves to be better.