HYBE, the powerhouse corporation behind the global sensation BTS, is making waves in the Korean music industry for its diverse trainee pool. Nearly one-third of its trainees hail from outside Korea, a testament to the industry’s global appeal and the talent it attracts.
The company, which houses eight music labels, confirmed that about 28% of its trainees aren’t from Korea. This figure emerged in response to a media inquiry, shedding light on the internationalization of the K-pop industry. However, HYBE clarified that doesn’t specifically aim to increase the number of foreign trainees. Instead, the company’s focus remains on discovering and nurturing talent, their nationality notwithstanding.
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HYBE’s roster of artists includes top acts like LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, SEVENTEEN, and Zico. LE SSERAFIM boasts a diverse lineup with several foreign members. Sakura and Kazuha, two of the group’s members, are Japanese. Another member, Yunjin, is Korean-American, having grown up in the United States.
SEVENTEEN, another popular group from HYBE, also features foreign members. The group includes two American members, Joshua from Los Angeles and Vernon from New York. Additionally, it has two Chinese members, Jun from Shenzhen and The8 from Liaoning.
Building a global trainee pool
The trend towards international trainees is not exclusive to HYBE. Other major K-pop agencies, like JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and YG Entertainment, also scout talent globally. However, these agencies chose not to disclose their trainees’ nationality breakdown, citing confidentiality.
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The increasing diversity among K-pop trainees is a strategic move, says Lee Gyu-tag, an associate professor at George Mason University Korea specializing in K-pop globalization. He says agencies are casting a wider net through global auditions to expand their reach and appeal to a broader audience.
The strategy of including non-Korean members in K-pop bands has proven successful in the past. For instance, BLACKPINK, a popular K-pop group, includes Lisa, a Thai member. Similarly, EXO, another well-known group, had four Chinese members at its debut in 2012.
The K-pop industry is becoming increasingly global, with HYBE leading the way in trainee diversity. This trend not only reflects the industry’s worldwide appeal but also its commitment to nurturing talent, regardless of nationality. As K-pop continues to captivate audiences globally, it’s clear that the industry’s future will be as diverse as the music it produces. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: KOZ Entertainment, one of the labels under HYBE, is currently conducting a global audition for new groups. Source: YouTube/HYBE LABELS.
