I Want To Be A K-Pop Idol: Can Intensive Bootcamps In South Korea Help? - Part 2 | Talking Point

Summary

The video follows Kate, a 14-year-old aspiring K-pop idol, who participates in a 10-day intensive boot camp in Korea after failing her initial audition with a top agency. These boot camps, often run by independent companies, promise participants a chance to perform for casting managers. While the training is rigorous and offers a glimpse into the life of a trainee, the likelihood of getting signed remains low. The video explores the challenges, costs, and realities of these boot camps, questioning their effectiveness and shedding light on the dreams and struggles of international K-pop hopefuls like Kate.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Kate, an aspiring K-pop idol, did not pass her audition with a major K-pop agency but remains determined to pursue her dream.
• 🎓 She enrolled in a 10-day K-pop boot camp in South Korea as a backup plan to enhance her skills and gain exposure.
• 🏫 The boot camp is not run by major agencies but offers training in dance, vocals, modeling, and performance to hopeful idols.
• ⏰ The training is intense, with participants enduring 14-15 hour days filled with rehearsals and classes.
• 💃 Kate was given the center position in one of the dance formations, which increased her visibility but also added pressure.
• 💸 Participants paid around $2,000 for the boot camp, which includes lodging and training but no guaranteed audition opportunities.
• 🎬 On the final day, participants perform in front of casting managers, with only a small percentage making it to private auditions.
• 🤔 Boot camps offer some exposure but are not a replacement for the years of rigorous training needed to become a successful K-pop idol.
• 🎟 Kate made it to the private auditions but must convince her parents to allow her to pursue further training in Korea.
• 🌍 K-pop hopefuls from countries like Singapore face unique challenges, including limited support and connections, making it harder to break into the industry.

Q & A

What was the main goal of Kate and other participants in the K-pop boot camp?

The main goal of Kate and the other participants was to gain experience and skills necessary to become K-pop idols, with the hope of impressing casting managers during the final showcase for a chance to audition for major entertainment agencies.

Why didn’t Kate’s parents support her pursuit of becoming a K-pop idol?

Kate’s parents prioritized her education and had concerns about the mental and emotional challenges associated with being a K-pop idol, such as the pressures from social media and the competitive nature of the industry. They made an agreement with Kate that she could not pursue the idol career until she turned 21.

What were the expectations of participants attending the boot camp?

Participants expected the boot camp to be rigorous, with a strict schedule involving long hours of dance and vocal training. They hoped to gain skills and potentially perform in front of casting managers for a chance to become trainees with K-pop agencies.

How does the boot camp training compare to the actual training of K-pop trainees in Korea?

The boot camp training was intense but much shorter and less comprehensive compared to the multi-year training actual K-pop trainees undergo in Korea. Actual trainees often spend years honing their skills in dance, vocals, and performance while boot camps provide a condensed experience.

What is the significance of the 'director check-in' during the boot camp?

The 'director check-in' is an evaluation where participants perform in front of instructors and receive feedback on their progress. This allows the boot camp organizers to make adjustments in preparation for the final showcase and ensure that the participants are on track.

What percentage of boot camp participants typically get a chance to audition in front of casting managers?

Typically, only about 5-6% of participants get a chance to audition in front of casting managers at the private auditions. However, in this particular boot camp, around 10% of participants made it through to the private auditions.

Why do boot camp organizers focus on ensuring high-quality participants for the showcase?

Boot camp organizers are strict about the quality of participants because it increases the likelihood of attracting casting managers from top-tier K-pop agencies. The success of the boot camp relies on presenting talents that can meet the high standards of the industry.

What challenges do international idol hopefuls, like Singaporeans, face when trying to break into the K-pop industry?

International idol hopefuls face several challenges, including lack of connections with K-pop agencies, the need for fluency in Korean, and the industry’s competitive nature. Additionally, there are limited support systems or companies in countries like Singapore to help nurture and promote talent in Korea.

What are the financial costs associated with attending a K-pop boot camp?

Participants in the K-pop boot camp paid around $2,500 Singapore dollars, which covered lodging and courses, including dance, vocals, modeling, and photo shoot training.

What are the potential drawbacks of attending a K-pop boot camp for aspiring idols?

The potential drawbacks include the short duration of the boot camp, which may not be enough to significantly improve skills, and the low probability of getting selected by casting managers. Boot camps can also be expensive, and without the right connections or long-term training, they may not lead to a successful K-pop career.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 K-pop Audition Journey and Boot Camp Experience

The video script details the journey of aspiring idols preparing for auditions with a top K-pop entertainment agency. It follows Kate, who, after failing to advance in auditions, decides to participate in a 10-day K-pop boot camp in Korea. The boot camp, organized by an independent company, offers intensive training in dance, vocals, and even modeling, with the promise of a performance in front of casting managers on the final day. Despite the boot camp's popularity, it's not run by idol agencies and is one of many programs aiming to capitalize on K-pop dreams. The script explores the rigorous training, the pressure on participants, and the slim chances of getting noticed by top agencies.

05:00

💃 Intensive Training and the Struggle for the Spotlight

This paragraph delves into the grueling training regimen at the boot camp, where participants are expected to memorize complex choreography in a short time. The importance of the 'director check-in' is highlighted, where participants perform for an evaluator to assess their progress. The script contrasts the boot camp's training with that of actual idol hopefuls in Korea, who often train for months or years at specialized academies. The boot camp's high cost and the mixed feelings of participants about its value are also discussed, along with the physical and mental challenges they face, such as long hours and the pressure of performing in front of casting managers.

10:02

🏆 Showcase Performances and the Pursuit of Idol Stardom

The script describes the high-stakes interim assessment where participants perform for the boot camp director, Angela Lee, and the importance of this event in determining their progress and potential opportunities. It also discusses the Showcase, a critical day for participants to impress casting managers from top-tier labels, with only a small percentage likely to be selected for private auditions. The challenges faced by Singaporean idol hopefuls in breaking into the K-pop industry are explored, including the lack of local support and connections necessary for success.

15:03

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Concerns and the Reality of the Idol Industry

This section focuses on the perspectives of parents and the sacrifices required for their children to pursue a career in the idol industry. It includes an interview with a Singaporean K-pop investor who discusses the lack of Singaporean success in K-pop and the need for deeper industry connections. The script also touches on the parental agreement that their child will not progress in the industry despite potential opportunities, due to concerns about the harsh environment and the importance of education and a traditional career path.

20:04

🌟 The Final Showcase and the Uncertain Path to Stardom

The final paragraph covers the boot camp's culmination in a showcase attended by casting agents, where participants have the chance to be selected for private auditions. It discusses the slim chances of success, the importance of the Showcase for participants, and the reality that only a small percentage will advance. The script also includes a candid look at the K-pop industry's challenges, the love for K-pop among fans, and the uncertain future for idol hopefuls, with a note of hope that despite the odds, their passion for K-pop remains strong.

Keywords

💡K-pop Boot Camp

A short-term, intensive training program designed to give aspiring K-pop idols a taste of the rigorous training involved in becoming a performer. In the video, Kate participates in a 10-day boot camp, which involves 14-15 hour days of dance, vocal, and modeling classes. The boot camp is not run by official idol agencies, but by independent companies, aiming to provide participants an opportunity to showcase their talents to casting managers.

💡Audition

A process where aspiring performers showcase their skills in front of a panel to be selected for further training or roles. In the video, Kate attends multiple auditions, including the one that led her to the boot camp and the private auditions held by casting managers at the end of the program. Auditions are highly competitive, and only a small percentage make it through to the next stages.

💡Casting Managers

Industry professionals responsible for scouting and selecting talent for entertainment agencies. In the video, casting managers attend the boot camp's final showcase to evaluate the participants and decide who gets invited to private auditions. They play a critical role in determining whether a participant can advance in the K-pop industry.

💡Trainee

An aspiring K-pop idol who has been selected by an agency to undergo formal training in areas like singing, dancing, and performance. Kate hopes to become a trainee by impressing casting managers during the boot camp's final showcase. The video highlights how trainees must endure years of intense preparation before they can debut.

💡Showcase

A performance where participants demonstrate their talents in front of casting managers or entertainment executives. In the video, the showcase is the culminating event of the boot camp, where participants like Kate perform their choreography in hopes of being selected for private auditions. It is a high-stakes opportunity that can significantly impact their future in the industry.

💡Private Audition

An exclusive audition with casting managers from top-tier agencies, typically reserved for a select few participants who performed well in a showcase. Kate makes it to four private auditions after the boot camp showcase, a rare opportunity since only 10% of participants were selected. These auditions are more serious and can lead to agency contracts.

💡Idol Training

A process involving rigorous preparation in singing, dancing, and other performance-related skills that K-pop hopefuls undergo. In the video, the boot camp offers a condensed version of this training, but real idol training can last for years and is much more intense. The video emphasizes the physical and mental toll idol training can take, including long hours and little sleep.

💡Independent Training Programs

Programs not directly affiliated with K-pop entertainment agencies but offer similar training experiences for aspiring idols. In the video, the boot camp Kate attends is one such program, providing participants with skills development and exposure to casting managers, though it may not guarantee a career in the industry.

💡K-pop Industry

A highly competitive and structured entertainment sector in South Korea that produces global music idols. The video discusses the barriers that Singaporean and international hopefuls face when trying to break into this industry, which requires deep connections, long-term training, and, often, luck.

💡Singapore Idol Hopefuls

Aspiring K-pop idols from Singapore who face challenges in making it in the South Korean entertainment industry. The video discusses the unique barriers they face, such as the lack of local companies with industry connections, but notes that bilingualism could give them an edge. Kate's journey highlights both the opportunities and limitations faced by international hopefuls.

Highlights

Idol hopefuls prepare for auditions with top K-pop entertainment agencies.

Kate, despite not passing initial auditions, remains determined to pursue her dream.

Kate's alternative plan involves a trip to Korea for a K-pop boot camp.

Boot camps are intensive training programs organized by independent companies.

Participants are promised a chance to perform in front of casting managers on the final day.

Boot camps have become popular as a way to capitalize on K-pop ambitions.

14-year-old Kate is chosen to join a boot camp after an audition.

Boot camp training is described as stressful and tiring, with long days.

Trainees are expected to memorize a 4-minute choreography in a short time.

Dance instructor assigns positions for formations, with the center spot being the most coveted.

Participants pay up to $2,000 to join the boot camp, covering lodging and various courses.

Boot camp training is compared to training at a popular K-pop academy.

Boot camps may not significantly improve skills in a short period but offer audition opportunities.

Showcases at boot camps are crucial for attracting casting managers from major labels.

Only a small percentage of participants are likely to get a chance at a private audition.

Kate's parents express concerns about the pressures of the K-pop industry and her future.

Kate's determination to pursue her idol dream despite her parents' disapproval.

Kate's performance at the boot camp showcase and her hopes for a private audition.

The reality of making it in the K-pop industry and the challenges faced by idol hopefuls.

Kate's participation in private auditions and the potential for her to be signed as an idol trainee.

The contrast between the boot camp experience and the rigorous training of established K-pop stars.

Transcripts

[Music]

previously on talking point I followed

fan turn Idol hopefuls as they gear up

for an audition with one of Korea's top

K-pop entertainment

agencies I suppose I didn't get in so

I'm little bit sad about it I didn't

make it to the next round I'll keep

trying my best until I get accepted to

become a traine I have gotten any

results from the agency so I feel like

the chances of getting in is quite

low if Kate had cleared the audition she

would stand a chance to sign on as a

trainee and potentially debut in the

future she didn't pass the auditions but

Kate isn't giving up on her dream she's

moving on to plan

B a trip to

Korea

for a K-pop boot

[Music]

camp Kate has signed up for this 10-day

intensive program don't be mistaken this

isn't run by idle agencies it's one of

many training programs organized by

independent companies some not even

based in

career on the final day participants are

promised a chance to perform in front of

casting

managers boot camps organized by

companies wanting to cash in on the

K-pop ambition have become popular in

recent years what's it like to join an

idle boot camp and is it really the

golden ticket into the K-pop industry or

just a marketing

gimmick earlier in 2023 an

australian-based company started by

Singaporean Angela Lee look at a camera

okay help auditions in various countries

to pick a select few to join her boot

camp in South

[Music]

Korea it was like

very no breing for me yeah but I think I

did pretty well in the audition

14-year-old Kate was chosen she's joined

by 72 other Idol hopefuls from Singapore

and other countries like France

Australia and

[Music]

Brazil

so kid how has training been so far

pretty stressful and like tiring as well

our days are very long it's from 7 a.m.

we wake up and then like 10 do you feel

like this is a good alternative because

you didn't make the cut for the

auditions earlier yes I feel like this

like this week extra training will also

give me the experience of how being a

training like

today is particularly important because

there's a director check-in happening

and what is a director check-in we get

evaluator and R for each team and we

have to perform in front of

[Music]

Ang today I've joined Kate in her

training to get a taste of just how

rigorous it can

be

to instill discipline participants are

told to stay silent as they wait for the

dance instructor to

[Music]

arrive participants are expected to

memorize a 4minute choreography by today

this will be presented to Casting

managers on the final day of the boot

[Music]

camp dance instructor an ROM has to

assign the dancers their positions for

the

formations getting Prime spot at the

center means a higher chance of getting

noticed by casting

managers

[Music]

we managed to like finish like the whole

song but we didn't finish the formations

because it was very rushed it's training

for boot cam more rigorous than you

expected I expected that it would be

very tough usually at home our lce class

we take about 10 lessons to finish one

song but now it's just like few days to

finish a song I also not used to waking

up early it's like very tiring cuz we

get very little sleep

also during the dance class you were

assigned the center position in one of

the formations how did that make you

feel it made me feel very happy but yet

I'm a bit stressed cuz there's so many

like better dancers in the group and I'm

scared you might think oh why she in the

center but do you think you deserve it I

think

so everyone paid close to $2,000 $500

Sing dollars to join this boot camp this

covers lodging and courses geared to

groom and Idol everything from dance

vocals even

modeling and photo shoot

[Music]

classes I found the dance training more

strenuous than I expected the other

classes like photo shoot classes and

modeling classes however felt more like

courses at a fun summer camp so how does

the training at boot camp compare to the

training that actual Idol hopefuls in

Korea can

get I'm bringing what I've learned to SL

Studio a popular Academy that offers

courses like vocals dance rap and

acting acmis like this run like after

class cram schools where Idol hopefuls

in career commonly attend for months to

even years until they get spotted by

casting

[Music]

managers I joined a K-pop boot camp and

it was a full 14 15 hour days of dance

classes vocal lessons let me show

[Music]

you

wow so does this match up to the

training

inmy

[Music]

how successful can a boot camp be in

preparing one for real Idol

training

ENT

if online and offline Global auditions

are already available is it even worth

it to come to Korea for a boot

camp boot camps are unlikely to improve

a participant skills significantly in a

short period of time all that matters is

whether they can get Idol hopefuls an

opportunity to audition for top labels

in Korea so to what extent can this

upcoming showcase attract casting

Managers from major

labels to convince casting Managers from

Top tier agencies to attend year after

year boot camp organizers are strict

about the quality of talents presented

to them your formation looks massive the

other three teams have caught up today

that's why you are in your position

[Music]

[Music]

[Applause]

today today over 70 participants are

gearing up for an interim assessment of

their showcase performances with boot

camp director Angela

Lee it's 8:00 p.m. now we started our at

7:00 a.m. and we still have another hour

before director checkin tonight

throughout the day I've seen people

start to sit out of practices even

spotted some people

crying doing 14 15 hour days for 9 days

straight is really no Child's

Play ranking City position right here

quickly quickly ranking order where is

your life

right we'll start with b

today Kate's team is the first to

[Music]

[Music]

[Applause]

perform

[Applause]

okay so we're going to give all the

ranking first team team

[Applause]

a second team team

B Team c a lot of clean up work to do

after

this why is an interim check-in like

this so important if we don't do

check-in we wouldn't know how far they

have progressed and what adjustment we

need to make in order to make the

Showcase how high are the stakes for the

Showcase we have labels that of top

tiers that work with us as well and if

the trainers are really serious about

trying to become an agency traine the

Showcase is actually a really important

day for them after the Showcase what

happens then the partner agencies will

actually provide their list of who they

want to see at their private audition so

it's not guaranteed that all the

participants get to audition for this

private audition that is right based on

the past runs of the boot camp what

percentage of participants are likely to

get a chance to audition in this private

audition probably around 5 to 6% in any

scouting who will really be the one that

they're looking for are usually a very

small percentage there are actually many

factors that we can't

control why is it that so few impress

casting managers enough to get through

to the private

auditions I'm meeting casting director

Darren ju he's casted renowned K-pop

Idols including mini from new jeans have

you casted anyone through boot

camps

[Music]

so what makes a casting agent like you

want to go for these boot camp showcases

to scout for

talent

how high of a chance do you think

Singaporean Idol H hopefuls have in

becoming a K-pop

Star while the chances of getting casted

at a boot camp appears slim it's not

entirely

impossible are you ready

the bake

the would Kate catch the eye of casting

Agents from Top labels in the K-pop

industry and score herself a private

[Music]

[Applause]

audition K-pop casting managers say

singaporeans have an edge over others

because many of us are

bilingual but why haven't we seen any

singaporeans make it big in K-pop

then 36-year-old Singaporean K-pop

investor David y has some

answers he debuted as a K-pop artist in

2022 to get inroads into the workings of

the

industry why do you think Idol hopefuls

from Singapore have had such limited

success in making it as an idol in Korea

there are

no Singapore companies that have the

required connections to support the

growth of uh Singapore youths talents

how much of a difference does joining a

boot camp make for idle hope fools from

Singapore if you want to look at it as a

career to really de and be serious about

it bot camps are not going to cut it you

need a company or agency that can get

you the music bang showcase your skills

on the big uh TV

stations get onto variety shows it's

really about spending years of training

to really make the grade because during

this training period you not only

acquire skills but you are become an

Insider in the industry the important

part is to educate the parents to be

able to accept their kids going over to

Korea to train to pursue a different

career rather than traditional

career

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

hello

hello how are you are you enjoying

yourself it's been good quite ding but

still very fun if was elected by an

agency at the Showcase will you let her

take the next step it's going to be a no

because before she attended the boot

camp right we have this uh agreement

that she will not be progressing to the

next level even if she's selected why is

that once she's 21 right I think she she

gets to choose what she want to do for

now we just want her to focus on the

studies we read a lot of news about um

K-Pop Stars committing suicide social

media is is is a very tough environment

you get a lot of nasty commands so I

think we have to protect her as a parent

why did you agree to send her to the

boot camp I was quite reluctant I

discussed with my wife and we think that

it's only fair that we give her a chance

to experience it but the condition is

that she has to be able to do well in

her study in her sect to level and she

did well anything else you want to say

to kid yeah really miss her you know I

want to see her back home

soon see you in two weeks Yeah by have a

good night bye bye

bye how does it feel knowing that your

parents are not supportive of your idol

dreams I agree with them to a certain

extent I'm still disappointed what made

you want to pursue this Idol dream in

spite of their disapproval I would

rather do like something I really want

to do and enjoy doing rather than being

stuck on new job because it has higher

pay or like it's safer or something like

that if I wait until the future I'll be

like a bit too old for the kop industry

so how prepared do you feel for the

Showcase tomorrow I feel pretty prepared

we train for so many hours trying to

perfect everything I hope that I can

have more confidence tomorrow okay good

luck I'm very excited for you

[Music]

too it's day 10 the final day of the

boot

[Music]

camp

we have some incredible performances

coming

[Music]

up more than 10 casting agents have

turned up for today's showcase including

Darren ju who's casted top Idols like

mini from new

jeans

[Applause]

so proud of

you do you think of your performance for

the Showcase I think I did okay I didn't

make any mistakes but I had fun myself

what are your thoughts about the private

audition do you think you'll be

selected I hope

so

[Applause]

[Music]

everyone this is very important

announcement right now they're selecting

participants who are making it through

to the private auditions with casting

Managers from Idol

agencies different agencies are holding

private auditions at various Studios

we're not allow allow access because

they want to keep their choices and the

kind of concept they're looking for

[Music]

confidential Darren is the only one

who's agreed to let us come in and

observe his private

auditions and Kate made

it turn

left how's your

he9 59 do you know your parents

[Music]

[Music]

this year about 10% of the participants

made it through to the private

auditions that's more than the usual 5%

or so

thank you thanks for coming

today so you actually got to meet Kate

for a private audition what did you

think how did she

do

How likely will your CEO sign her as an

idol

traine

how many private auditions did you go

for I went for four auditions did you

expect it at all no if you do get a call

back for the next round of auditions

what would you do it has to depend on my

parents but I definitely want to go for

I try my best to convince them maybe I

can continue my studies in Career

Training

yeah

[Applause]

this is where the year end music bank

one of the largest K-pop music festivals

in Korea took place around me are

hundreds of fans and they've been

waiting in the rain and 5° coal hoping

to catch a glimpse of their Idols like

txt IV and espa it's a stretch to say a

single boot camp can turn an idle

hopeful into a full flch star like them

that requires several years of rigorous

training deeper Connections in the

industry and a great deal of luck

whether our Idol hope fools will succeed

is anyone's guess we haven't seen a

successful Singapore and K-pop Star but

one thing's for sure their love for

K-pop doesn't fail in comparison with

the South

Korean