YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment have taken the moniker "Big 3" in the K-pop music industry for continued success in producing multiple girl/boy groups in the sector and solo acts.
However, in producing such acts, there are also hidden secrets shared by former trainees to reach their level success today. With that said, here are some revelations former trainees told the media about the company's secrets.
Singer MAYDONI Speaks About YG Entertainment's Training System
Solo artist MAYDONI was once a trainee at YG Entertainment, and she described the environment at the company to be "Toxic" as fellow trainees were encouraged to rival, not friends. The soloist also revealed that there was one time when she was just 16 years old and had to stay with senior artists at a hotel.
While at the hotel, these senior artists would drink alcohol in front of MAYDONI despite being a minor. Also, the soloist recalls that one senior artist told her that they wish she could grow up already and go clubbing with them.
Former SM Entertainment Trainee Talks About How Strict The Company Is
After leaving SM Entertainment, a former SM Entertainment trainee revealed what it's like to be a trainee. In an online post, the former trainee shed some light on their struggles and hardships during their trainee days.
The former trainee stated that if they were late or go against the company's rules, one must sing while running around the room ten times. The trainee also reveals that they were singing while doing sit-ups and punching them in the stomach to develop muscle and vocal power.
The informant continued that if they did something wrong, they would write it in a piece of paper and write down precisely what they did wrong, or they will never be able to attend practice rehearsals again.
No Singing Of Korean Songs During Monthly Evaluation At JYP Entertainment
Former MADTOWN member H.O was once a trainee on JYP Entertainment and shared some of his past experiences as a trainee. HO stated that trainees aren't allowed to sing Korean songs at their monthly evaluations.
"If you asked your vocal coach, "Teacher, can I sing a Korean Song?" then you would get a slap on the back, and you were immediately told, "No, it has to be a Pop English song."
SM Entertainment Trainees Are Allowed To Date
While most K-pop companies have dating bans for their trainees, SM Entertainment does not share this ideology. A former SM Entertainment trainee dubbed as "X" revealed that dating other trainees is being frowned upon, but the company does not ban dating, saying that they would never date other trainees to stay on the safe side.
