BTS has a history that those new to the fandom might find hard to believe. They began their journey with a then-bankrupt agency, BigHit Music. Their dedication and talent played a pivotal role in building the legacy of BigHit Music, which later evolved into the empire known as HYBE Corp.

BigHit decided to focus solely on BTS

However, the BTS we know today, consisting of seven members, wasn’t the initial lineup. BigHit Music was grooming several young talents to find the perfect combination for the group. As revealed in BTS‘ official biography, Beyond The Story, BigHit decided to focus solely on BTS’ debut due to limited resources. This decision meant letting go of their other trainees, including Hwan Jihwan and Kim Jihoon, who had to abandon their dreams of becoming idols.

[INT] What does it take to become BTS according to former trainees [Part 1]

In a recent interview with Korea Now, Jihoon and Jihwan shared their experiences. Kim Jihoon recalled the period when trainees were leaving BigHit almost weekly. When he was informed of his release, he wasn’t taken aback. Jihoon also spoke about Jungkook, stating, “After witnessing his genius, I realized I wouldn’t be able to achieve that skill level.” This realization made his departure from BigHit somewhat easier to digest.

[INT] What does it take to become BTS according to former trainees [Part 2]

Hwan Jihwan shared a similar sentiment. He believed that since BigHit primarily focused on his vocal training, he might not have been considered for BTS. Instead, he might have been slotted for another group the agency had in mind. When BTS finally debuted, Jihwan left, presuming BigHit was channeling all its resources towards BTS.

BTS’ reactions to their departure

One of the most touching moments from the interview was when Jihoon recounted the members’ reactions to their departure. He shared a poignant memory of RM. Despite Jihoon keeping his departure under wraps, RM somehow found out. During a dance practice, RM approached Jihoon, asking if he was leaving. The two had shared a close bond during Jihoon‘s one-year stint at BigHit. RM was visibly upset upon hearing the news, as he had already bid farewell to many trainee friends. Given their close friendship, Jihoon‘s departure was particularly heart-wrenching for RM.

Similarly, Jihwan mentioned that upon hearing his departure news, many of his trainee friends, including some original BTS members, comforted him. While the idol life might not have been in the cards for Jihoon and Jihwan, they have since carved out successful careers. Jihwan is now a vocal trainer at renowned institutions, and Jihoon has made a name for himself as a fitness trainer. 

Their stories serve as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, where dreams might diverge, but new paths can always be forged. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These two missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime, but they’re not salty about it. They have only nice things to say about BTS. Source: YouTube/@KOREANOWyna.