What It's Like To Be K-pop Trainee?

Summary

The journey of becoming a trainee at Hib is intense and demanding, beginning with passing the audition and moving to Korea. New trainees are treated as guests before undergoing rigorous training in vocal, dance, and language skills. Monthly evaluations determine progression, and trainees are constantly pushed to improve in a highly competitive environment. Debut preparation includes final evaluations and group image matching, which focuses on harmony and chemistry. Even after debut, the work doesn’t stop, as the company’s global approach emphasizes creativity and storytelling, making the idol journey a lifelong commitment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hib covers all the costs for trainees, including flight, dorm, and daily meal allowance, making the experience financially supportive.
• 😀 Upon arrival in Korea, Hib staff warmly welcomes new trainees, offering full support in English and ensuring their safety and comfort.
• 😀 The first two months as a trainee are dedicated to a 'pre-train' phase, where trainees focus on vocal, dance classes, and group assignments.
• 😀 Passing the pre-train evaluation is essential to become a full Hib trainee; failure means returning home at one's own expense.
• 😀 Hib invests 100% in trainees, covering all training, housing, food, and lesson costs, allowing trainees to focus entirely on their growth.
• 😀 Trainees face intense daily schedules, with up to 10 hours of training each day, including vocal, dance, rap, and language lessons.
• 😀 Trainees are also trained in acting, stage psychology, and communication skills, aiming to create well-rounded idols who connect with fans.
• 😀 Monthly evaluations determine who stays and who gets cut. These evaluations assess growth, effort, and attitude, not just talent.
• 😀 Hybe allows trainees some creative freedom, such as writing lyrics or choreographing, fostering self-expression and artistic growth.
• 😀 The final evaluation is a rigorous process where the best trainees are selected based on teamwork, chemistry, and concept fit, not seniority.
• 😀 Once the final lineup is chosen, trainees enter the debut preparation phase, which can last 6 months to a year, focusing on image training and concept development.

Q & A

What is the first thing that happens when a trainee arrives at Hib after passing the online audition?

Once a trainee passes the online audition, Hib takes care of everything. They pay for the trainee's flight to Korea, provide a dorm room, and give them about $8 per day for meals. The staff is there to pick up the trainee at the airport and ensure they feel safe and welcome.

What is the 'pre-train phase' at Hib, and what does it involve?

The 'pre-train phase' lasts for two months and involves basic vocal and dance lessons along with group assignments. Trainees are also expected to perform a 9-minute presentation at the end of the two months for evaluation. If they pass, they become full-fledged Hibbit trainees.

Do trainees have to pay for their training or living expenses at Hib?

No, trainees do not have to pay for their training, housing, food, or lessons. Hib covers all these costs, and trainees do not need to repay them, even if they debut.

How long are the daily training sessions at Hib once a trainee officially becomes a Hibbit trainee?

Once a trainee becomes a Hibbit, the daily training sessions can last between 8 to 10 hours a day. These sessions include vocal training, rap lessons, language classes, and dance practice.

What is the role of monthly evaluations in the Hib trainee system?

Monthly evaluations are a key part of the Hib training process. Trainees perform in front of staff, vocal trainers, and sometimes executives, with the pressure to perform well. These evaluations determine whether they move forward or receive warnings, and the evaluations consider growth, effort, and attitude rather than just a single bad performance.

What distinguishes Hib's training program from other companies in terms of creative freedom?

Hib offers its trainees creative freedom, encouraging them to write lyrics, compose songs, and create choreography. This allows trainees to tell their own stories and develop a deeper connection with fans, much like BTS and TXT members, who are known for self-producing their music.

What is the process of 'image matching' during the final evaluation stage?

During the final evaluation, Hib conducts 'image matching' to determine which trainees harmonize well vocally and visually. They test various combinations of trainees to see who balances the group in terms of stage chemistry and overall concept fit. Sometimes newer trainees are chosen over long-time trainees due to their better fit for the group’s concept.

What happens during the debut preparation phase for trainees who pass the final evaluation?

Trainees who pass the final evaluation enter the debut preparation phase, which can last from 6 months to a year. During this phase, the company finalizes the group concept, name, and image, while trainees record demo songs, shoot test music videos, and undergo styling. The phase culminates in the debut camp, where the group trains and prepares for their official debut.

How does Hib ensure that its trainees are mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges of becoming an idol?

Hib trains its trainees not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Trainees learn acting, stage psychology, communication, and interview skills, helping them connect with the audience. They also receive language training to become fluent in Korean, and sometimes Japanese or English, to prepare for international markets.

How does Hib’s approach to selecting debut members differ from other companies?

Hib's approach to selecting debut members focuses on timing, teamwork, and storytelling rather than seniority or favoritism. They prioritize finding members who harmonize well together, both in terms of vocal ability and stage presence. For example, in the formation of LE SSERAFIM, the lineup was based on chemistry and visual harmony, not seniority.