August 27, 2012

Basic Audition Q&A

[UPDATED:  July 3, 2013]

Here are some commonly asked questions that I've seen around the discussions boards regarding SM Entertainment auditions (in person, online, e-mail).
For more answers:


Q:  I'm ____ (not Korean).  Can I audition?  What are my chances?
A:  Yes.  SM's website states that they accept any applicant regardless of gender, race, or age.
However, also keep in mind that you are auditioning for a Korean company whose target audience is Koreans.  Marketability comes into play here.  The more talent you have, the less looks matter.
If you are auditioning based on your talent and desire, go for it.  You never know, especially with the globalization of K-Pop thanks to PSY.  However, if you're auditioning based on looks and mediocre or no talent, you have an extremely small chance.

Q:  I'm ___ inches/centimeters tall.  Is this okay?
A:  Yes.  This doesn't usually matter, but if it matters that much to you, Koreans seem to be about 5' 3" on average (women).  Taller is better, but height won't matter if you have talent.
Source:  Personal experience standing next to random people in Seoul.

Q:  If I am asked to Korea, will they pay for my plane ticket?
A:  No.  I feel that this is a way of testing how badly you want to be a Korean idol.  Are you willing to put down $3000 to visit Korea for the chance you might join the industry and follow your dreams?
(UPDATE:  I have been seeing from certain sources that they might pay for a plane ticket if they have truck loads of faith in your talent.  I can see this is you're the next BoA, but DON'T COUNT ON IT.  Unless you know you're talented enough to make BoA look like a beginning dance student and have an impressive resume, assume my original answer.)
Source:  soompi

Q:  What's the best way to contact them if I can't make it to the live auditions?
A:  Email.  everysing is more for contests as SM likes to keep any potential trainees hidden from the public.

Q:  I'm not skinny.  Do they care? / Will they consider me?
Yes.  Keep in mind that your level of talent will determine how much they take your physical appearance into consideration.  If you're fantastic, they'll probably think it's worth the time and money to get you into "idol-shape".

Q:  Do I have to dance?
Eventually, yes.  SM is a dancing company - they focus on dancing.
Weekly and Monthly Auditions will require you to dance at the audition while Global will not.  Even soloists will have to be able to dance (or, the exception, play an instrument like TRAX or J-Min).  BoA and even Zhang Liyin (she was considered for Girls' Generation) dance.
[UPDATE - With the new format of Weekly and Monthly Auditions, you areno longer required to dance on your initial audition.  However, do expect to be tested on your rhythm ability later on if you make it through that audition.]

Q:  Does SM pay you to be a trainee?
No.  Think of it like going to boarding school on a scholarship or as an internship.  They are paying FOR your training and accommodations  so why would they pay you?  They do give you a weekly allowance of about $20.

Q:  My country doesn't have live auditions.  Will they see my online audition?  (Or:  I don't live close to the life auditions.  Will they see my online audition?)
A:  Yes, but I strongly encourage saving up to attend a live audition.  They do see online auditions, but you are usually directed to a live Audition in the end.

Q:  I heard SM Entertainment is 80% looks and 20% talent.  Is this true?
A:  Yes and no.  This is the entertainment industry and you are going to be the product that the company sells.  In this industry, looks matter.
However, charisma and stage presence is also extremely important and I believe this ties into the "looks" assertion.

Q:  I'm __ years old.  Am I too young/old?
A:  Maybe?  SM Entertainment's Youth Star Auditions were open to those born between 1992 to 2003  (as of Aug 2012).  That would mean they would accept those between the ages of 9 to 20.  If you're older than 20, than they loose interest in you because they think you're "too old" to train and debut.
Technically though they accept anyone of any age.
Source:  smtown.com
Source:  soompi

Q:  I want to be a singer but my parents don't approve/won't allow it.  Help!
A:  If you're younger than 16, sorry, but you're stuck.  If you're 16 or older, you may be able to strike a deal with them.  Being a singer is a shaky future at best.  Promising to stay on an academic course while they let you pursue your dreams might move them.  Also, completing an online audition might help your case.  SM's response could help you gauge how much you want to push the issue.
Source:  엘라동생의 struggle to get her parents to take her to the Youth Star Auditions.  She eventually got to go!

Q:  I got an e-mail back!  Do they want me?? / It's been ___ (amount of time), when will I get a reply?
A:  No e-mail after roughly 45 days means they aren't interested.  No, your audition didn't get lost and they aren't hanging onto it secretly because you're so good.  Just accept you didn't make the cut, improve, and try again.
SM's website even states that only those who qualify will be notified.  No e-mail = no qualification.
      An e-mail directing you to a Global Audition or Weekly Audition means they're interested and are interested in seeing you improve.
      An e-mail asking for more information, talent clips, etc. means they are VERY interested in you.
      An e-mail asking to arrange for a meeting with an SM Entertainment representative means they are seriously interested in you.
It's highly improbable that you would be selected from an online audition alone.  I've never heard of it, but anything's possible.
Source:  Personal Experience
Source:  Yahoo! Answers

Q:  How long does it take for them to reply to emails?  AND:  Do they check their email?
A:  Yes, SM checks their email.  If they are interested in you, they will try and get back to you within 2-4 weeks (longer if Youth Star or Global Auditions are going on).  However, like I said before, SM's website even states that only those who qualify will be notified.  No e-mail = no qualification.  [I'm not trying to be harsh, but this is what the company says.]
I would suggest waiting at least a month for a reply.  If a month passes without a response, assume you did not pass.

Q:  Can audition with both email and online?
A:  Please only audition with one medium at a time.  If you do email auditions, you should not do online auditions unless it's been about 3-6 months since you last send SM an audition (or visited a live audition) and you show significant improvement from your last audition.  A ton of duplicate auditions or low-quality auditions are just wasting your time and SM's.

Q:  How frequently can I audition?
A:  As frequently as you would like.  I would suggest waiting 3-6 months and vocal/dance lessons (and lots of practice!) before auditioning again.  Sending auditions too frequently might get you onto SM's spam list.

Q:  What's a good audition song?
A:  A good audition song is one that showcases your vocal ability.  If you're an alto or tenner, don't sing "The Phantom of the Opera."  If you can't rap, don't do B.A.P.'s "No Mercy."  Make sure you can sing the song multiple times with the same consistency.  If you can't always hit the high notes in IU's "좋은 날 (Good Day)," don't audition with it.
If you have good pronunciation, I strongly suggest singing in Korean.  You are, after all, auditioning for a company that will have you singing in Korean.  But definitely sing something you are comfortable singing.
Also, avoid singing anything from SM Entertainment unless you think you can sing it better than the original singer.  The judges from SM Entertainment are probably very knowledgable about the songs from their company, especially the well-known ones, and very sick of them.
Lastly, and most importantly, do NOT default to "America the Beautiful" or "The Star Spangled Banner."  Duh.  This is a Korean company.

Q:  How many audition songs should I prepare?
A:  At least three.  If you apply via e-mail, I suggest doing 2-3 30-60 second clips of the songs' climax. For a live audition, I'd know at least three songs of varying genres and tempos with at least one being in Korean.

Warning:  Know that if you send in anything to SM, it becomes their property.  They can and (usually) will put it up on their YouTube (or on everysing) if you do not pass the audition.  There is no way to remove the videos.  You can try to email SM and ask them to remove the video, but SM rarely if ever complies.  Please TRIPLE check your video before submitting it.  If you think you'll want to take it down DON'T SEND IT.

Q:  I don't speak Korean.  Will they teach me??
A:  Yes!  f(x)'s Amber and Victoria, EXO-M's Kris, Lay, and Tao, and Super Junior-M's Henry and ZhouMi didn't know any Korean when they auditioned.

Q:  I can speak _____ (languages) fluently.  But I know a little bit of ____ (language) like greetings, the basics, etc.  Does this help me?
A:  Only later, once they are seriously considering the possibility of signing you on as a trainee.  If you are anything short of fluent, be VERY honest about your level of fluency.  I gauge myself on a self-made scale of Fluent, Competent, Knowledgable, Progressing, Survival, Poor, and Shitty.

Fluent:  I can understand and comprehend the language fully.
Competent:  I can understand and comprehend the language in most situations.
Knowledgable:  I can understand and comprehend the language in common situations and conversations.
Progressing:  I can usually understand and comprehend the language in common situations and conversations.
Survival:  I can sometimes understand and comprehend the language in common situation and conversations.
Poor:  I can understand basic phrases, greetings, words and simple sentence structures.  I don't understand or comprehend most situations.
Shitty:  I can understand basic greetings and words.  I don't understand or comprehend the language.

Example:  I am Fluent in English, Progressing in Korean, Surviving Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin), Poor in German, and Shitty in French and Japanese.
I think that most people leave the 4 years of high school Spanish, French, and German at the Poor to Progressing level (unless you had a phenomenal teacher or an intensive class...) and most people leave college at the Survival to Competent Level.

Q:  Can I audition with a group?
A:  No.  According to their website, SM no longer allows group auditions.
(https://membership.smtown.com/Faq?page=1&category=&keyword=)

There will be more to come!

For more answers:
Update:  Oct. 20th, 2014
[1] Updated with more current information.

137 comments:

  1. hi there,
    i got a question here..=)
    during my audition in bangkok, thailand a few days back, i was ask to sing one song after another..
    i started with a korean song(gummy- forget me now), and the casting manager ask me to sing another song, and i sang again(cherry filter-romantic cat), after that again she ask me to sing one more song..but i ran out of song as i was prepared with 2 songs only so my last song was not that satisfying for me(alicia keys- girl on fire)..=(

    my question is that is it a good sign that they ask me to sing song again n again?
    they said we will be notified individually if we pass the audition like one month after the audition is done...can i expect a call back from them??
    i seriously have no idea now...my mind just went blank when she ask me to sing more and more song...*OMG*

    although they said anyone can audition regardless ur age but still am 23 now, and am a chinese decent from indonesia..do u think they will consider me??
    am so so so curious now...TT.TT

    please pray for me as well..XD

    waiting for the reply...=)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good think they kept asking you to sing, but it's not a good think that you ran out of songs! While it is good, it doesn't guarantee anything (my friend had the same experience during Youth Star and they never got back to her :/) With auditions you can never expect anything, but you can cross your fingers and hope. :)
      "Notifying individually" is a sneaky way of saying they'll look at the good auditions and select a few to reply back, leaving everybody else in the dark. ><

      They will consider you, but the oldest trainee female I heard of them accepting (I'm assuming you're female, I apologize if you're not!) was 20 (21 Korean years). The older you are the more talented you have to be, plus having an extraordinary extra talent (like Victoria's flexibility) and it becomes more and more crucial to speak Korean semi-fluently or fluently (because the company feels they have less time to train you before you expire in the industry and language training takes 2-3 years.)

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    2. thanks for your reply..=)
      am a female..hehehe..
      during my audition time the casting manager was quite interested in me(from her look), cos i sang in korean while others sang in english or Thai language.
      but based on my research ppl said they have more people who will review ur recorded audition video and if most of them said "ok" u will get a call back..so even though 1 person said "nice" if the others r not agreeing means it's a "no"
      huft..hopefully i got through to the 2nd round n can proof i could do better..XD

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  2. When you send a video clip and you are dancing.. While dancing do you need to sing at the same time? =)

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  3. And also if for example you are small for your age do you think it will lessen the interet of them to me? (sorry for asking again) =))

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    1. What do you mean by small? If you mean a small frame (body size) then it can actually work to your advantage since looking is an advantage. If you mean small as in height, it may be a bit of a problem. Idols are pretty tall (very few are under 5'3"). If you're still growing, don't worry about it!

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  4. Do they have less interest in you if your looks doesnt like very much of a korean?

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  5. will they send me an invitaion?

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    1. If you pass the email or online auditions you will receive:

      If you qualify and pass: a generic email asking you to Weekly, Monthly, or Global Auditions

      If you pass successfully with a lot of their interest: a personalized email or phone call asking to tell them when you will be in LA or Seoul next and to set up a time where you can audition.

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  6. How much time will it take if you auditioned in everysing? I mean like the email they would give you if you passed

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    1. It should take the standard (2) 3-5 weeks. However, from my experience everysing doesn't really stick to the standard. They tend to not reply unless you really pass (so no generic "go to globals, etc." email).

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  7. Hey! My name is Minh,I am living in Germany (Berlin), but my parents are Vietnamese, so I am Asian. I can speak fluently english, vietnamese, french, german and will start learning korean now!
    I was born 1994 and I just got my high school graduation. I am 1,74m (to small?)

    I don't really know what to do now?! I really want to audition, because I think I will regret it sometime!

    Well, could you please give me some advice about how to start, because I could not attend to any live autidion yet. I will try, but should I just send an email or what should I do? Please Help me!

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    1. Hi Minh!

      I would start by practicing dancing and singing! If even remotely possible, get some professional lessons either at a studio or through grad students at your local college.
      Record yourself singing acapella and listen to it carefully. Be brutally honest with yourself or get a friend who is tonally inclined to be brutally honest (because the judges will be nothing but brutally honest). Once you can get to a point where you honestly can say you're good, start recording a video to submit for auditions.

      Also, since you are a '94er, you're getting "old" in idol years. Make sure you really practice hard with fluent Korean speakers to get good! Also, make sure you have a special talent to back up your singing and dancing!

      If you need any other help, just ask!

      Delete
  8. It is very nice of you, to respond every question! Well, honestly, I just learned the Korean Hangul and some basic Vocabulary... :(

    I really think I am too old to audition, you don't think so too? I also feel really small.
    And I am NOT skinny like Taemin. My Voice is not that great, sometimes it sounds like Britney Spears or is weak as YoonA's voice. hahaha ( I do love YoonA a lot, but her voice isn't that strong)

    I think, my dancing is okay, and what do you mean about having a special talent. I am very good in arts and language. But is that a talent?

    Should I sent my Email now, even if isn't perfect? I am scared of getting older and older ...
    I really do feel unprepaired, but can't practice (also korean language) that much, because I am old..

    should I sing a korean song or english song? How long should my MP3 Data be?
    Thank You for reading!

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    Replies
    1. I don't think you're too old to audition, but you are being pressed for time. (I'm a '93er and auditioning in a week).
      You just have to up your game with either more polished talent or an extra talent (like Victoria's flexibility, Tao's martial arts, Kris' multilingualism, etc.) since they're going to be focused on the younger auditioners.

      If you're voice is kind of weak, are you good at dancing or rapping? Both can make up for weak singing. As for your talent, "arts and language" all depend on what you mean by that. If that means you speak various languages, what is your level of fluency? Technically I can say I speak English, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, German, French, and Japanese, but when you boil it down, I only speak English with 100% fluency, and can hold basic conversations in Korean and Mandarin Chinese.
      Anything below the conversational level should be considered "useless" for the time being. :)

      Don't worry so much about practicing Korean, but right now concentrate on practicing your talent. Listen to the clip you're planning on sending in. Can you listen to it and honestly be proud of sending it in? If so, go ahead and send it. If not, practice and rerecord before sending it in. It's better to get older and audition than be young and rush and look bad. :)

      Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

      Delete
  9. Hey. I was wondering if I still have to send them a video of me while dancing or singing even though I'm only auditioning as an actress or a model. And I don't really dance and sing. Thanks for your time. Pls answer.

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  10. Hello :) i want to be a popular girl in Seoul like sulli in F(x) i want to be a Kpop :D but i can't sing. :( Err but i can dance :) what do you think is the better age to audition? to be a Kpop like Fx

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    1. Sorry, but Seoul is a city of anonymity unless you're well-connected or famous (like any big city) :)
      The best age to audition for girls is between the ages of 12-15/16ish. I would recommend taking some singing lessons before auditioning. When I auditioned at SM, almost everyone that auditioned could sing /really/ well. If you're going for dancing, make sure you either extremely good or have some credentials to back you up (like dance contests, etc.)

      Good luck!

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  12. Hi ! I'm really thankful because u're giving so much advice and u're answering every question in here so Thank you so much
    My name is Sofia i was born in November 93 i'm too old to audition right but i don't wanna regret non auditioning later.
    I'm not an asian ,i heard that there is an american black girl in SM as a trainee, i mean they're looking for non asian is that correct I'm arabic and ican speak flently arabic, français and englich does it help ? as for korean i only know few words .
    as for my talents i can sing i reach high notes my young sister told me that i have a strong voice i can sing in korean too my pronunciation is very good. DANCING well i can dance "freestyle" is not my thing but i can dance but i prefer to choose singing for my area of application I'm tall i'm 178cm isn't it too much because all the korean girls aren't that tall and i'm thin my friends always tell me to become a model but i don't know can i also post for medelling in sm ? i planning to audition this summer via Email because i have exams now can you please give some advice? and give me your point of view ?
    Thank you .

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  14. Hi, thanks for the blog post! I play violin at quite a high level. DO you think I would be able to bring my instrument in to an audition to play, or if I audition online, should I play a bit? Thanks!

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    1. If you audition online, you can play your instrument. However, make sure whatever you choose, piece wise, that it stands out in either difficulty or creativity. I'd go for creative since they have SJ-M's Henry to compare to!
      However, for live auditions you will NOT be able to bring an instrument along unless you are specifically auditioning as a musician.

      Delete
  15. Hi. My name is Ronan. I'm 16 yrs old and going 17 yrs old this August. I really want to audition on some companies. But i think it's to hard because I haven't have that enough money to go on audition (online and on-going-audition) and there's no on-going audition in Philippine (my country). I really have that eagerness to catch my dreams. I have this reason right inside of me. I'm just a student and were not that ritch. I ready to sacrifice all the things that I can just to be a star. It's not because of fame or money.. It's just my dream. And because of ........

    Please help..

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    1. Hi Ronan,

      Sadly, SM rarely holds auditions in the southeast of Asia, with the exception of their stop in Thailand for Global Auditions. If you really have a dream of being an idol singer, you will need to start saving! Since you're closer to Korea, it's going to cost around $500 USD or more for the ticket (much cheaper than the $1500 I paid to get from Korea from the States)!

      You can try the email auditions first, though. If you get a favorable response, you will know it might be worth spending the money to go and audition.

      Delete
  16. Hi! Do you think Halo-Beyonce is a good song choice?
    And also, (sorry, a lot of questions) how long does it usually take for SM to reply back to email auditions and do they even check their emails? ( I heard a rumor that SM never checks their emails)
    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi muye,

      Halo is a good choice only if you plan on revamping it a little (see Ailee's cover of it for an example). It can get repetitive and it is very much overdone in auditions!
      If you don'f feel you can revamp or rearrange it, mosey around YouTube for a song by a more obscure artist, or find a ballad song in Korean!

      As for checking their emails, they DO respond! Me and my sister have both gotten replies. However, now that email is a go-to for everybody, it is impossible for them to reply to everyone, especially during times when they have Global Audition or Youth Star applications to sort through. Now they just respond to those who they feel have talent and would possible consider for their label.
      Winter months are best to send it because everyone is in school. Avoid times such as summer, school breaks, and Global/Youth Star audition if you want a reply! Also, make sure you send your best quality songs!

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    2. Thank you sososo much! Do you think right now would be an okay time to audition? I don't want to put it off until next year so I was thinking about sending one soon. And also, what kind of emails do you get?

      Thank you so much!

      Delete
    3. It would be okay to send the email now, but the best times to send the email would be during the winter months. it is best to avoid the summer and school breaks since that is when most people send their audition.

      For emails, you can receive one of two if you are deemed to "qualify" by their staff.
      1 - generic email thanking you for your audition and asking you to stop by Globals or Youth Star Auditions.
      2 - a more personalized email from the audition staff asking for either a) more information such as more clips or more personal information about yourself or b) asking when they could expect you in LA or Seoul (this is NOT considered "passing" as this will be on your own time and on your own dime. If you cannot make it within a reasonable amount of time - a few months - they will lose interest)

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    4. Sorry not to be nosy but what kind of emails did you get? Sorry, you don't have to answer

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    5. No problem!
      The farthest I've gotten is the generic email. My sister got a personalized email from the staff asking for more clips, but she wasn't interested... O.o

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    6. :OOOO that's amazing! Thank you so much for answering my questions!

      Delete
  17. Hi, this post is really helpful.

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  18. Hi Im Afee,i prefer e-mail audition..But my voice suck,Low tone XD Yes..but i can dance like Hyuna actually im copying her :)
    can i just do Rapping instead of singing Twinkle of Girls Generation XD I just cant reach high notes..will they give me a chance ?

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    Replies
    1. Rapping instead of singing "Twinkle" is okay!

      Also, I suggest that you put a twist on your dancing instead of copying Hyuna :)

      Good luck!!!

      Delete
  19. What if I have qualified in the email application and they direct me to go for a live audition in a specific date but I cannot go on that date, could they reschedule it?

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    1. If you have qualified in the email application, they will ask /you/ when you can make it to Korea or LA (unless you are given the generic "please attend Globals" email). If you cannot make it within 3-6 months, you're just out of luck. :/ With the amount of talented folks auditioning, they will just move on to the next person who can make it to the live audition.

      Delete
  20. Hi! I'm 172.5cm tall ( maybe still gonna grow ) is that a good thing ? I want to auidition as a singer but I feel like I'm a little to tall. I'm female by the way ^^Please reply soon ! Thanks !

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  21. Hi !

    I am going to audition online as a dancer, but I'm not sure which is the better choice since I can't really go to live audition yet at the moment: E-mail or snail mail? Because I know that they receive probably roughly a thousand e-mails per day and I really do want my audition to be checked. However I am not fluent in Korean and I remember somewhere on your blog said Korea SM Office doesn't accept mail from oversea? Which method would you recommend?

    And if they considered me, about how long would I get notice back? Usually after how many days of no notices that I know I'm not qualified?

    Thank you so much !
    I'm sorry for trouble.

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    1. The American office will accept it! Just check out the "A Useful Guide to SM Entertainment" - I have the address listed there. :)
      As for which method, how good are your packing skills and how much money are you willing to spend? The email audition has no cost to you, but most people will be sending it via email so it could easily get skipped over or forgotten in the wash of millions of emails. If you send it by snail mail, it will cost you the amount of postage for an overweight package and whatever it costs for the device you send your audition on (CD, DVD, flash drive, etc.). Also, if the CD, flash drive etc. is damaged, they will not try and salvage it. They will simply discard it...:/ (So how are your packing skills?)

      If they are seriously considering you, they should get back to you within 2-4 weeks. SM is not known for it's speed!
      If you don't qualify, you will most likely not get any reply. After I did my live Weekly Audition, they told us we would get a reply via email within a month, but it's been almost a month and a half and I still haven't gotten anything.
      If you haven't received anything within about a month, I would assume that you didn't qualify and would start practicing for your next audition.

      Good luck and it was no trouble at all! :)

      Delete
  22. Firstly, thank you SO much for being so kind and helpful ^^
    Sorry for some of the really dumb questions i'm about to ask.
    1. Is it possible to pass all the auditions through email? Or maybe successfully become a trainee only through one live audition?
    2. I'm Singaporean Chinese, do you think they would accept me?
    3. Oh you mentioned above that for the email audition your sister received a personalised email response from SM. Do you mind sharing how it looks like? Also, what are all of the possible email responses one can get?
    4. It's been my dream since young to be a singer, and i would do anything to achieve my dream. But i'm worried my parents would not approve and would stop me from going for live auditions. How did you manage to persuade your parents to support you? T^T
    5. I'm 16, do you think i'm too late to audition?
    Thank you! ^^

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    Replies
    1. Sorry for the delay!

      1) Technically, yes, but SM is currently only using the system to scout for talent to invite to their live auditions. One live audition is usually not enough since trainees usually go through a kind of screening process. However, it is possible to become a trainee after only two live auditions. (Your initial audition and then they ask you back).
      2.) Yes. Males could have some difficulty with the military service, but females should have the same chances as everyone else.
      3.) I would love to share it, but she has since deleted the message (she really had zero interest in joining...). However, it was just a simple email that said "Please send us clips of your talent. - SM USA Audition Staff".
      4.) I haven't told my parents yet ^^. Since I'm older, I have been able to work enough to send myself to Korea. I figure that if I do pass the auditions, I'll tell them then.
      The best way to persuade your parents is to show them your passion and your responsibility. Show that you can and will continue to receive top grades in your classes while being able to hold down other responsibilities, like a job (because training will be your job and you'll still need to get high marks in class to remain a trainee).
      5.) Nope! I was one day away from being 2-0 when I did my live audition!

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    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello, im Mimi. I want to audition but where should I go? What's the address?

    And what do you mean by weekly audition? They held audition every week?

    Im a Philippine-chinese but many say I look korean. This is my dream of becoming a singer. but I never thought I would be interested in Korean music. I can read and pronounce hangul properly. I dance since young and started singing and can reach high notes. do I have a chance?. I tend to give up my dream. but i change my mind when my mom got sick. This is for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mimi!

      Please check out my "Useful Guide to SM Entertainment."

      Weekly Auditions are held weekly in Seoul at the everysing building in Apgujeong unless there is a holiday or another event and SM cancels it.

      Everyone who auditions has a chance! Many factors such as age, height, weight, dancing ability, singing ability, charisma, stage presence, potential, looks, and most of all - judge's perception and preference and what SM needs, govern the chances of each individual auditioner.
      If this is your dream, work hard on your singing and dancing and then give the audition your all. :)

      Delete
  25. How much will it cost if we are accepted and we have to fly there for interview ? and also i submit one voice memo singing english song is it ok ? and i can't speak korea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Depends where you live. Hyomin says it would cost her around $300-ish USD for a plane ticket to Korea from Malaysia. However, I'm from the States so it runs me about $1,700.

      The price of where you stay will vary depending on what you can afford (keep in mind you can get anywhere in Seoul in about 1.5-2 hours max by subway!). The place I stay is in northern Seoul up by Sungshin Woman's University. It's not a tourist trap area so it's cheaper, but it takes me over an hour to get to Apgujeong. If you're not as poor as I am or want to be closer to the touristy areas, Gangnam is the place to be - but it can cost upwards of $100/night per person.

      So...easily $2000 if you're over in the States :/
      Singing in English is okay, but I do encourage you to sing in Korean to demonstrate your pronunciation if possible. Not speaking Korean isn't an issue. :) Amber, Henry, ZhouMi, Victoria, Kris, Lay, and Tao all couldn't speak Korean when they were chosen.

      Delete
    2. I'm from Singapore just graduated not long ago, i send my application yesterday, I'm waiting for the answer now !

      Delete
    3. I can sing some Korea song but my pronunciation is not good at all I'm just singing the sound of the word.

      Delete
  26. Hi l am 17 year old and I am short 150 high I am from dubai an arabic girl and I really want to be an korean idol I know little bit korean and I am very good in English but the problem is that my parents don't agree and don't allow me to go to korea but I really want to be a singer .and where I am going to live if I came to korea?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are accepted as a trainee, SM has dorms you can live in.

      Now if you're looking to live in Korea while auditioning and working towards your dream, that's going to be much more difficult. Housing gets very expensive in Seoul, especially for foreigners, who cannot open lines of Korean credit but need millions of won (aka, thousands of USD) in cash or Korean credit for the downpayment on their apartment. Also, you would probably need a job to support yourself which would involve getting a work permit (which is difficult to get and requires a Korean language test ;/) Another option is living with a Korean friend.

      Depending on how much money / time you plan on needing in Korea, hostels are also a good, cheap option :)

      Hope that helps!

      Delete
  27. If, I want to be an actress/actor produced by SM, would I need to still dance? Could you give more specific details to be an actress/actor? I am fully 100% asian. I speak fluent English and Vietnamese I am Progressing in Korean. I'm 13 years old so, I want to reach my goal ASAP. Please help and reply ASAP!oh, and I am a female. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No. From what I observed from my live audition (there were three total acting audition in the two groups before me - I was watching through the window!), the judge asks you to perform a short (about 30 second), memorized scene.
      My big caution about it though - while I don't doubt English acting auditions are accepted, it is in your best interest to try and act in Korean.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  28. Do you know much about the LA monthly audition with SM? Like..exactly how early we should get there? :) Also, do you have many experiences or friends who've previously gotten an e-mail to send more clips in, and etc? Thank you so much for your info!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry, no! I just have done the Seoul Weekly Auditions. From my experience there though, I would get there at least 30 minutes ahead of time if not earlier (especially if it is around busy time of year - like around holidays and in the summer).

      The farthest anyone I know has gotten is just receiving an email asking for more clips (it was my sister and she didn't respond).

      Delete
  29. Is it ok if i cover a dance from Exo ? im a male . im just using my sisters account . thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can, but I strongly suggest not if you're auditioning for SM. SM judges already know those dances and songs like the back of their hands so it is best if you pick a non-SM dance, or better yet, freestyle (which is what they'll ask you to do at the live audition).

      Delete
  30. Hello my name is Kimberley, I am french and I have 15 years old. I am very tall, ~1m74 and thin. My friends say that I can dance very well and I practice Hip Hop with a teacher. I really want to be a trainee in Korea, especially in SMent ! And my voice is not bad but not perfect. But now, there is a audition by e-mail or online ? When I can audition ? And what sould I do ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please check out my posts "A Useful Guide to SM Entertainment" and "Tell Me Your Wish...Er...Questions...Commonly Asked Questions"!

      "A Useful Guide" will tell you how, where, and when to audition. ^^

      Delete
    2. Ah, sorry and thank you ^^

      Delete
  31. Hey! Your blog is awesome. I was wondering... since SM wants trainees hidden etc therefore the best way to audition is by email or live right? But what if you uploaded or entered a vocal/dance contest on everysing but you want it to be removed because you fear that people would see your video and it can be embarrasing and also if you do become a trainee successfully you wouldn't want to see your video a while back... What should I do? Is it possible to remove it or edit it? Right now I think everysing is under construction and renewal so I can't log in but i'm really insecure about it. My friends have the link and I feel un-easy. Thanks for your time and I hope that you can help me! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You hit the nail on the head! Most people get selected as trainees through live auditions and you're more likely to get recommended to do a live audition through the email audition.

      Once you submit something to SM, it becomes their property. You may request that they remove it, but the ball's in their park. It is not possible to edit or remove it, which is why I encourage everyone who auditions to only submit their best work, and work they are proud of. Like I said, you could request it to be removed, but they usually do not take videos down.

      Delete
  32. OMG thanks for helping me by replying. Your blog is really good I mean it provides really good information. I tried sending them a message about whether it is possible to remove it but I don't think I can check because i can't get onto everysing.com. It's not like I'm not proud of it but more like I wish I could re do it and make it even better because it was like a year ago haha. Thank u so much! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  34. hi! i'm from the philippines and i just turned 18 last march. i'm not that tall , i can sing well and and can dance a little . i'm not that skinny but i'm on my way to loose weight. i speak english well. but if i audition online with my little heavy weight, is there a chance to be accepted? i mean in 100% would i reach 50? i don't have nice teeth either. do they have specific application form for auditions?
    thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Weight (and your teeth) will not matter as long as you have talent! There was a boy in my group that was kinda chubby but he sang extremely well. The judge kept looking at him. She didn't care about his weight, just his talent.

      Delete
  35. how does it feel auditioning? are the judges harsh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nerve wracking! It was a little odd for me because I was vastly older than most of the auditioners (except the actors who were all in their 20s). The kids in my group were all in late middle school and early high school so I felt like an ajumma. :D

      But the judge wasn't so harsh as she was just....uninterested.....-_-
      She was two hours late and looked tired and worn-out. Her face said she didn't really want to be there which is much harder than having an attentive but harsh judge.

      Delete
    2. wow! i really admire your patience for replying . thank you very much . i'm preparing my self in making the video :D thank you for your help . can you suggest another agencies where i can also audition? i know SM is a tough agency .

      Delete
    3. by the way, i expect you're a girl :D

      Delete
    4. do you know someone in SM who was admitted through auditioning online?

      Delete
    5. There are a few agencies I listed in "When Only Korean Is Available", like JYP and Jellyfish.

      Yes, I'm a girl! :)

      No. Currently, SM is using the online audition exclusively to attract attention to their live audition. (If you pass, you are directed to a live audition).

      Delete
  36. Hello, I would like to thank you for posting all the information ^^
    For online auditions (email) would it be okay for me to send a dance cover? It's not a SM dance cover, it's from another company. I thought about free styling it, and when I do it looks fine but when I go to record it I forget about it and the dance I do when I'm recording looks bad compared to the first one. I also tried making a dance up but it just doesn't look good ._. Do you think it'd be okay or they would find it okay for me to send a dance cover?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dance covers are okay, I just recommend free styling :)

      Delete
  37. hello, the information was very helpful , thanks for it.
    but i wanted to know a few things. since their site is in korean. how many dance videos do u need to attach? (email auditon) and do i need to send 2 3 songs
    and whenever i start dancing i forget all the moves and i start doing random dancing , is that okay?
    + i know japanese songs. do you think i should send a japanese one too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. one more thing do i need to add music to the songs. becuase that is something difficult :/
      waiting for ur reply :D

      Delete
    2. You should only send one video total - a combination of dance and singing. The more videos there are to sort through, the more likely it is that the judges will skip over or skip through it.
      That's fine! That's call free styling. :)
      It depends on how many songs you plan on sending and how well you pronounce the Japanese. If you have bad pronunciation, stick to English or Korean. However, if you have good pronunciation, you can go ahead and send it.

      A capella (no music) is best@

      Delete
  38. Hi!, your blog is totally awesome, but there are some questions i still have.
    1-I can dance very well, but my singing skills are not THAT great, but i still can sing ok(Can sing the B2ST Shadow part that is just after the first rap very well), but i think the rap can help me even more, cuz i can do every T.O.P. and GD rap i've heard perfectly(just half an hour or less and i can do them perfectly, including the fantastic baby one hehe), do you think i can do it?(of course i will prepare myself more)
    2-You said that they will judge very hard if you sing a SM song, but what about their dance?(like Henry Trap, Exo's History and Growl)
    3-If they reply to me for live audition, if i go to the USA one, and if you pass of course , do they pay to get you to Korea to make you a trainee, or you have to pay that too?, i ask this because i live in latin america(venezuela) and its extremely expensive anyways, going to usa, canda or mexico then to go to japan and then korea or straight to korea from mexico usa or canada.
    4-I Can speak advanced english(but i think just kinda), native spanish(vnezuela) and can read hangul(not too fast but at least i can) does this give my any advantage?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. btw when i asked if they judge their dances i was referring more to the songs, because i have in mind to freestyle or making a creative choreography.
      and i asked if the languages were an advantage because the korean pronunciation is VERY similar to the spanish one, and i have kind of a talent to learn languages.
      BTW i'm 13 hee

      Delete
    2. 1.) Sure? What ever you're comfortable doing that's not an SM song. However, the judges have heard a lot of K-Pop songs before (and will be mentally comparing you to the original song) so I do suggest doing a less popular song - perhaps a B-side or an older song.

      2.) Yep. That's fine.

      3.) If you pass the USA audition, if they ask you to Korea for another audition, they will not pay. SM does not pay until you are a trainee.

      4.) No. Currently, SM is focused on China and Japan. The fact you speak two languages might be a boon, but other than that, no. Being only able to read Hangul does not give you an advantage. Henry, Amber, Victoria, Tao, and Kris were all accepted without any prior knowledge of Korean.

      Delete
    3. (Sorry if i'm being tiresome, but "Oh i'm curious yeah")
      What about if i just sing a little and then rap the most of the audition/e-mail audition, because if i'm specialized in that it can helps me.
      And is it better if i do popping dance(like hyoyeon or taemin)
      I was thinking about making kind of a mashup to sing/rap, i've heard that many others have done it,so it would be easier to show off.
      Like: Mblaq oh yeah mir rap then Rain's Rainism "i'm gonna be a bad boy, i gotta be a bad boy"(just once) and first verse, then (i know the next its a too recent song, but its hard enough to be considered) Zelo's rap in warrior then Haru haru's choir and finish with TOP's fantastic baby first rap or GD Crayon fastest rap.(Maybe too much big bang but for me they have the best raps)
      I didn't choose any occidental song because i think that more of their raps are not that hard and fast.
      (I know that i've been thinking too much about rap but its the best i have besides the popping dance)
      PD:(again) Sorry if im being tiresome

      Delete
    4. That's fine. Just make sure you don't try and imitate the style of Zelo or GD or TOP. Try and make it your own. :)

      Delete
  39. hello, do you know how to delete our audition video on sm's audition youtube channel? i uploaded it from everysing app from iphone. thankyoouu. for the answer email me pls vidiava@yahoo.com.sg pleasuree!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't, sorry! When you audition via everysing, the small print says you are turning over rights to the video to SM. It also states that SM can and (usually) will put the video up on their YouTube channel. There is no way to delete the video from your end. If you desperately want it deleted, you could try emailing them, but they rarely comply. Sorry. :/

      Delete
  40. hi! im 12 but im 158.5 cm tall!! im fat...67kg smth.but im considered pretty but becuz im fat,i dun look pretty but hv pimples because im going through puberty..im dream is to be a actress and singer..im on my way to losing weight..i got chosen to join choir in my sch once..but cant becuz of my dance CCA..im from singapore,a chinese i can speak eng really well and when i speak chinese i sound like a china person..i think i can be a actress becuz i hv tricked my frens that im unhappy or sad becuz i really cried infront of them 0.0 i wanna audition but do u suggest i get rid of my pimples and lose weight before auditioning??i dunno about my singing skills but i can reach high notes and can sing korean sogs well after hearing it for 30 min..and also,hot to i send my email to them??ii cant find their email and dun knw how to prepare the stuff..i hv won the gold awards for dancing and im quite flexible..i learnt the spilt in two week..fyi..my korean is close to shitty though but i can understand basic stucture sentences..wad do u think??will my fatness cuz me to get a lower chance in getting chosen??? pls ans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!im really frustrated...thx!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Weight and looks don't matter if you have the talent! Super Junior's Ryeowook and Big Bang's T.O.P. use to be really heavy and Super Junior's Kyuhyun had really bad acne. All of them are tremendously talented and got in based on their talents instead of their looks.

      Please actually check the links I provide on this page! They lead you straight to information you need to send them an email!!!

      Delete
  41. Hi, i'm 14 y.o, and i'm Indonesian (exactly) i'm a Balinese. :3 I reall reaaallllyyy wanted to be a kpop singer, that's my dream since when i was young :D am i too young to audition now? Indonesia isn't include at the Global Audition list, so.. yeah, i can't attend live audition, and i want to audition by email. Can i apply by email then everysing? Pls, can u recommendation any songs that good for audition? (i'm a mezzo-soprano). Thank u so much. :) ^^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You may, but please make sure you space out your auditions between the two (like 3-6 months).
      I'm assuming your a girl, so I would recommend anything by Ailee or G.NA.

      Delete
    2. Thank u so much :D btw, i want to become a part of Cube ent, but Cube isn't hold any audition this year, I mean, i was late to apply online audition that they held 5-6 months ago. What should i do? Will they still see my application if i send it now? And i still don't get it how to audition trough everysing. Can u explain that to me? :D Thank u so much :D

      Delete
  42. Hi! I am 14 and I'm from Singapore , i can speak chinese and english fluently but can't understand / speak korean well , will that affect my chances? I can try to sing in korean , and my other two song in english and chinese will that help?
    I did not learn from any teacher / instructor singing or even dancing but i can sing quite well (in my opinion) and could learn / dance some covers in just a few days time , will it help / not?
    My height is 160cm am i too short? As I'm really not sure , plus i don't look "pretty" as i have an birthmark on my neck , but in overall my I'm still okay , does it affect my chances?
    Last question is it that no matter what u choose like(singing) you still have to dance , act... all these to prove your talent? If i can draw very well / know chinese instrument like(guzheng) , are these known as special talents or not?
    Thanks for your time and hope that you would reply as i really want to know before doing any decision , sorry to trouble you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Singing in Korean if you don't fluently speak it will only help if you sound native when singing. If you butcher the pronunciation, I would stick to English or Chinese.
      That's okay. I've only ever had 6 free voice lessons and my sister's never had any. :)

      TALENT and charisma is all that matters in auditions. Yes looks can get you in, but you have to have at least some charisma.

      GuZheng would be a talent, as long as you can play it well. :)))

      Delete
  43. When auditioning online would it be better to sing/rap acapella or to have instrumentals in your video? And would it be best to show your full body in the video so you can show your body, the way you present yourself, ect. or should it be manly your face you show? Thank you! (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would say show your whole body!
      Personally, I think acapella is best!

      Delete
    2. Alright! Sounds good!
      Thank you! (:

      Delete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you so much for this blog! It's really helped me and given me more determination to audition!

    I know that the online auditions close, but is there a deadline for email auditions? For example, can I send and email at any time and they will look it over?
    Also, with the email auditioning, do they actually narrow down the applicants and then recommend for them to go to an audition? Or should just go straight for the live auditions?
    If I, by chance, make it to the auditions in Seoul, would my parents have to come, given that I am 17 right now?
    And I'm a senior right now, so if i did get accepted, would I finish my senior year here or transfer?
    Finally! Do you know how many people are normally accepted as trainees? :P

    Thank you so much, again! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another question! If we send in an email for a singing audition, does audition clip have to be an mp3 file or a video?

      Delete
    2. No deadline for emails!!

      Yes. If you don't get a response, you can still go to live auditions though. :)

      Technically adulthood is 18, so your parents would still need to consent before you could sign with SM. :(

      You would probably transfer, but it depends how much schooling you have left. If you could finish out your senior year this semester they would probably delay your arrival until winter break. Otherwise, they'd transfer you.

      Erm, Globals they take about 0-3 people a tour. I also know that debuting EXO wiped out SM's male trainee population (minus Jino...poor guy). So SM usually has between 4-12 male trainees and 3-9 female trainees at any given time. From fan accounts of those watching who goes in and out of SM, there are currently about 5-7 trainees.

      I would recommend a video file so they can see your lovely face!

      Delete
  46. Hello,i'm alli i'm asian,indonesian to be exact ^^ many people said that you have to asian to be chosen as trainee,i dont really get what they say did they means asian in general or asian as in "oriental" because i dont really have an oriental looks,will i still be qalified to be chosen as trainee?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anyone can audition regardless of race, age, or gender. It is true that there are currently only Chinese and Korean trainees, but there's always a first for everything!

      Delete
    2. Hi alli, Im ella, im Indonesian as well, I just wanna ask, kamu udah kirim email yang buat audisinya itu belum? thxx

      Delete
  47. Hello ! Im Ann . im Malaysian and im a Muslim . I think im too young enough to be a SM trainee so i decided to be a trainee when i was 16 y/o. im 12 (lolol). I want to break the Malaysia record. Im just interested to be an artist .

    1)Can I visit my family when i was a trainee ?

    2)I can sing and dance but i dont know how to play the instrument (I only can play the instrument in iPad & i dont know any chords) .Should I play the instrument ?

    3)If i fail in the first audition then i enter the audition again .Will SM block me ?

    4)Do i havetime to wash my clothes ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1.) Yes. SM pays for one trip back to see your family a year.
      2.) Depends on how good you are! :) Apple Girl Kim Yeo Hee became famous by playing the iPhone, so if you're good, go for it! Otherwise, an instrument, while a bonus, is not required.
      3.) No. You are welcome to continue trying (I believe it took Sehun 3 times?) However, if you spam them (like auditioning 3 times in a week or every week for the next four months) they will block you.
      4.) Of course!

      Delete
  48. Hi, I'm Jasandeep, I'm from Canada and I'm 13 years old. I was wondering, are video auditions still allowed right now? And I wanted to know more about the auditions. What should you do to have better chances of getting in and what types of songs would you recommend? Do I have to send in a video of me dancing as well? If I do, could it be a dance cover? Say they like me, what happens next? What appeals to SM town? How many time would I be able to audition without getting blocked? If I'm currently learning Korean, Mandarin, Japanese and can speak a bit, are there better chances of me getting accepted? I currently can speak English, can understand french and can speak a bit, and I can understand Hindi and Punjabi but can only speak a bit of both. So I guess you can say I know some languages. What types of songs would you recommend? Thank you ♥ And sorry for all the questions~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh and I can also play some keyboard and trumpet, will being able to play instruments make seem talented?

      Delete
    2. Like I said in "Connect the Dots", technically, being scouted is the absolute fastest way of getting - getting recommended to someone that intimately connected to SM is always the best. However, it's nearly impossible to force the scouting.
      Otherwise, the fastest way to get in is to audition live at Global Auditions (pretty much a guarantee of being a trainee is you're one of the tiny handful that passes) or live in Seoul at their Weekly Auditions.

      What you sing will totally depend on your range and vocal style. Let me know and I can give you some suggestions.

      No, but I strongly recommend it. If you somehow flub the singing, you still have dancing to help blow them away and vice versa. :)
      I wouldn't suggest doing a dance cover. If it's a common dance, the judges are able to see more flaws more easily. Freestyle shows more talent and there's no "wrong steps".

      If they like you, they meet with you and your parents (since you're a minor). If your parents give you the green light, you and your parents sign the contracts. SM then will train you at home until high school via Skype or will fly you out to Korea if you're older.

      You can audition as many times as you like, but don't be annoying or obnoxious. If you're auditioning more than once per 3-6 months, with no improvement in singing or dancing, you're probably getting annoying.

      It depends how much you speak a language. I have taken lessons in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, and German, but would only ever consider putting down German, Chinese and Korean. However, I can't hold a very decent conversation in German (I took it in high school) and my tones suck in Chinese (I'm taking it in college) so I would probably only put down Korean.
      If you can hold a decent conversation in said language, it will help you. Otherwise, it doesn't make much of a difference.
      Also, Korean isn't necessary. The Chinese members of SMTown didn't know Korean beforehand.

      I would recommend staying away from SM songs (and JYJ songs for obvious reasons). Stay away form mainstream songs. Don't afraid to be bold with your choice!

      Playing an instrument will only show you as talented if you're really good! Henry Lau plays violin but he's like nationally recognized. If you're really good, it will help. If you're not, it won't.

      Delete
  49. Hi, I'm Vietnamese and I want to ask where can you start to train on your own to be able to audition WELL? I mean, I'm only 12 but my love for kpop is infinity... I train myself everyday start with singing and dancing, but no room in my house so can't really dance :( I would love to hear some of your advices . I want to do the email audition and try out since I heard that even if you don't get to be a trainee it still worth the experience. I'm learning Korean and just get start on that so I'm not that of an expert :p
    I pretty much fluent in English and 100% fluent in Vietnamese. I has try out some poses with my sis . I think I have a So-So voice ... I want to take a singing and dancing class but I can't find any in the area I live -- Texas . Any way I would try my best to try this out. I'm VERY exciting and can't wait until the audition. Still, the time it take me to prepare for an audition is very rough n long but I believe I can bear it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unless you can afford the expensive training that SM Academy or Starlight Academy offers, your only other option is basic lessons. Taking lessons in hip-hop, voice, acting, or even ballet can help you improve your talents and thus make your audition.

      The best places to look is a local college or university. Their students (if they teach dance and voice) might be looking for students to boost their repertoire and the lessons are usually cheaper (or even free) than professional lessons. Also, churches sometimes also free or cheap vocal lessons.

      If all else fails, just practice at home! I know you say you don't have a lot of room to practice, but you don't need a lot of room! Heck, if you audition live you get barely a 2 ft x 2 ft area to dance in! Practice dance moves in chunks so you don't run into things and practice singing all the time! Record yourself and then listen to it so you can correct your mistakes.

      Delete
  50. Hey, I have heard some bad rummers about the Kpop background so I was wonder if it true or not
    - You have to have *** with the CEO in order to have your part in a song/movie/etc.
    - Surgery
    - beating trainee
    - overwork idols
    and many more so I hope that you can make it clearer :) Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, I wrote a new article based on your question :)

      Delete
  51. hi!
    i just wanna ask...
    i'm 16 years old and im already already a college student. let's say that they accept me as a trainee, will they allow me to continue my education? will they take charge of it? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes and no. High school students are allowed to continue their studies, but college students are asked to put school on hold until they drop out or debut. This is because most potential trainees going to college are in the 18-21 year old age range and are viewed as needing to "catch up" with their younger peers.
      Your case could be different since you're younger. I would think they'd be a little bit more flexible...

      Delete
  52. Hi I'm going to be 20 in January how old would that be in Korea? Would i still be considered ? People have said i still look kind of young. Also I'm of Indian decent so I do have Asian features. Except my skin is probably very dark compared to theirs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That would be 21 or 22 in Korean years. But that doesn't matter. What matters is International age (20).
      For age limits, I go by SM's Youth Star Auditions requirements (10-21).

      Delete
  53. Hey I come from Malaysia . Is it too hard for me to audition for YG , SM or others entertainment ? By the way i'm going to be 19 next year . Am I too old for the audition ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please check out "A Useful Guide for SM Entertainment Auditions" to see other ways to audition for SM.
      This author auditioned a day before her 20th birthday...

      Delete
  54. This may sound stupid, but I'm worried if my religion will be held affect my chances in auditioning.
    For example, say I was a chinese muslim--will they mind?

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    Replies
    1. In a perfect world, it would 100% not affect your chances. In general, idols are Christian or Buddhist, with a small number of atheists.
      Go ahead and audition because it's open to all and there's always a first for every thing. :) I just wouldn't even touch the topic of religion (unless you routinely display a religious article such as a headscarf) until the judges ask you directly.

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    2. I don't as in, I'm not well... very religious (like wear headscarfs) but I just have eating requirements like not pork or drinking alcohol, thats all really.

      Delete
  55. Another question (sorry) but how long do you think the Hallyu Wave/ k-pop trend will last?

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  56. Hi I'm an Indian and want to audition for sm. Though I'm not very tall but I can sing well.will they accept me

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  57. I'm 15 can I still audition for sm?

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  58. hi I have a question, I'm not Korean but I sent an email for the global audition in Thailand and I got
    an email back saying that I am qualified for the audition, sadly I couldn't make it and I think it has been more than 3 months since I've sent that email, I want to audition online now and I wanted to know is it okay to use the same video that I did last time or not? and if not should I sing a new song?

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  59. I have a question that i am indian i have listen that they dont accepts indian becouse of dark complex

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  60. Hi! Can I ask when is the closing of SM Ent. 2020 online auditions? Like, does it last for the whole year or it has a deadline, something like that?

    Can I audition a 2 minute rap, and 5 minute dance( the dance is composed of 3 dances)?

    I will be submitting a vocal audition, how long should the song be?

    Btw, I’m gonna audition for the online auditions. The rap song and vocal I will use is self-composed and produced(will that be alright?) . If ever its alright, should I notify them that it’s self-composed and self-produced?

    Thank you so muchhh, I’m really quite dumbfounded with the auditions. Please help me😓

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  61. hi i'm a 13 year old girl. i can't sing at all because my voice sucks. i can rap very well though and i dance decently. do i stand a chance at email audition? i think i need to lose some weight though..

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  62. I can only dance but I can't sing will they except me???

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  63. I cant sing good but good at dancing will they allow me to perform and if I was selected will they traine me for good at singing

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  64. I'm mizo not Korean can i audition? What are my chances?

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  65. Can you call me I have a problem

    ReplyDelete