SM Entertainment’s K-pop training academy will open its first overseas branch in Singapore this June.
Its flagship program, priced at $10,000 (S$13,300), offers 21 weeks of intensive training with instructors directly hired from Seoul and the opportunity to experience what it takes to become a K-pop idol, said SM Universe, the training arm of South Korean entertainment giant.
The course mirrors the rigorous routine of idol trainees in Seoul, requiring participants to commit to at least six hours of daily practice in singing, dancing, music production and overall stage performance. Instructors at the Singapore center are the same professionals who trained some of SM Entertainment's biggest stars, including groups like Girls' Generation, Super Junior and TVXQ, as well as rising artists like aespa and Riize.
While rigorous, the program also includes an exciting finale — a week-long enrichment trip to SM Universe’s main campus in Seoul. It isn’t merely a sightseeing tour; top-performing students will have the opportunity to audition directly with leading Korean entertainment agencies, potentially taking their first real step toward a career in K-pop.
Acknowledging the program’s hefty price tag, SM Universe representative Lee Seong-jun explained the rationale behind it.
“While the cost may initially seem steep, participants are training intensively every day for over five months, just as real idol trainees do. If you look at it from an hourly perspective, the investment makes much more sense and accurately reflects the reality of idol training.”
Enrollment in the full program is limited to about 50 participants who must first pass an online audition to assess their existing talents and potential. Although the academy doesn’t impose a strict age limit, organizers expect most attendees will be between ages 13 and 18.
For those less certain about committing fully to the long-term program, shorter and more flexible training options will also be available to give a taste of the idol training experience without the full intensity.
SM Universe’s decision to launch this academy underscores the growing recognition of Southeast Asia not only as a fervent fan base but also as an emerging talent pool. Several idols from the region have already found success on the global K-pop stage, including Thailand’s Lisa from Blackpink, Ten from NCT, GOT7’s BamBam, (G)I-dle’s Minnie, and 2PM’s Nickhun.
Established in 2022, the original SM Universe academy in South Korea initially offered a comprehensive three-year program targeted at high school students interested in music production, performance, modeling and acting. Since then, the academy has adapted to an after-school and weekend curriculum.
mjh@heraldcorp.com
