On March 4, tvN previewed an upcoming episode of the talk show You Quiz on the Block, featuring several notable guests, including historian Shin Byung-joo, SM Entertainment executive Yoon Hee-jun, veteran singer Kim Gun-mo, and 17-year-old gold medalist Choi Ga-on.
The Reality Behind SM’s Idol Training System
Yoon Hee-jun, who has spent 22 years helping develop idols at SM Entertainment, currently leads the company’s Artist Development Center. She oversees the entire process of nurturing future stars from casting and training to selecting final debut members.
During the show, Yoon addressed long-standing rumors about SM’s audition system and revealed just how competitive it truly is. “Every year, around 150,000 people apply, but only about 10 survive to become trainees,” she explained. That means the acceptance rate is an astonishing 0.00867%, highlighting the extreme difficulty of entering one of K-pop’s most influential agencies.
Even Stars Need Discipline
Yoon also shared behind-the-scenes stories about SM artists, including a time he personally went to Seoul Station to welcome a member of RIIZE. In addition, she hinted at stories related to the hit track Golden, promising insights into the intense preparation behind the scenes. One statement from the executive quickly drew attention: “Even stars need to be scolded.” The remark reflects SM’s long-standing philosophy that discipline and rigorous training remain essential even after idols achieve fame.
The episode of You Quiz on the Block is scheduled to air on March 4 at 8:45 p.m. KST.
Sources: Naver
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