From Yedam TREASURE to Seunghoon WINNER, These Korean Idols are Actually Graduates of the K-Pop Star Program!

Kapanlagi.com - There are many paths to Rome.

Perhaps that proverb is suitable to describe the entertainment industry in South Korea. It's no longer the 90s, now there are many ways to start a career as an artist in Korea. From participating in open auditions held by entertainment agencies to street castings conducted by agency staff.

One of the trends in recent years is the emergence of survival shows. Just look at it! There's THE UNIT, MIX NINE, SHOW ME THE MONEY, PRODUCE 101, HIGH SCHOOL RAPPER, and many more. Amongst those programs, there's one that's the most legendary. Yup, that's right! K-POP STAR.

Talent search shows are indeed very popular in Korea. The proof is that there are many types of these shows and they have been held for several seasons, like K-POP STAR.

Now, when KLovers watched it a few years ago, KLovers probably didn't know that they were watching future K-Pop stars! Here are the successful idols who were part of the K-POP STAR alumni, which contestants did KLovers support back then?

1. Junhoe iKON

Junhoe (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

JunHoe has a very different image when he auditioned for KPOP STAR SEASON 1. This handsome man, who is also a huge fan of Michael Jackson, still looks very cute there. Although he didn't make it to the finals, Junhoe caught the attention of Papa YG—Yang Hyun Seok.

Yang Hyun Seok then decided to give him a chance to become a trainee at YG Entertainment. In 2012, he struggled in Team B, and finally debuted with iKON in 2014. Wow, cool!

2. AKMU

AKMU (Credit: youtube.com/AKMU)

Akdong Musician, also known as AKMU, consists of Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun, a sibling duo of musicians. AKMU started gaining popularity among the public since their appearance on K-POP STAR, where they performed their self-written songs.

Thanks to their exceptional talent, AKMU eventually emerged as the winner of K-POP STAR SEASON 2 and joined YG Entertainment. April 7, 2014, officially became their debut moment under the auspices of YG Entertainment.

Recently, they just released a new album, did you know? One of their singles, Nakka, was even collaborated with IU.

3. Yedam TREASURE

Yedam (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

In the KPOP STAR SEASON 2 show, Bang Yedam came as one of the contestants. One of his performances, singing Justin Bieber's song Baby, successfully impressed all the judges, including Yang Hyun Seok. Each of his performances in the competition was eagerly awaited by many people.

Although he managed to make it to the final round, Yedam did not succeed in becoming the winner but became the runner up. After K-POP STAR, Yedam joined YG Entertainment as a trainee before finally debuting with TREASURE.

4. Jamie Park

Jamie (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

Who doesn't know this girl in the K-Pop fandom? Park Jimin, also known as Jamie, became a trending topic after appearing in KPOP STAR SEASON 1. Jamie made the public fall in love with her performance of Adele's Rolling In The Deep. Surprising the judges with each stage, she eventually became the winner!

After K-POP STAR, Jamie joined JYP and debuted as one of the members of 15&. Recently, she moved agencies and became the most anticipated solo artist.

5. Lee Hi

Lee Hi (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

Lee Ha Yi—Lee Hi, gained public attention after appearing with her unique husky voice. Lee Hi, who was 16 years old at the time, shared that she wanted to become a singer like her idol, Beyonce.

This R&B singer eventually chose YG Entertainment after becoming the runner-up in K-POP STAR SEASON 1. After signing a contract with YGE, Lee Hi debuted with the single 1, 2, 3, 4. She recently released the album 4 ONLY after moving agencies to AOMG.

6. Jae DAY6

Jae DAY6 (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

DAY6 member, Jae Hyung—commonly known as Jae, was discovered by Park Jin Young when he auditioned for KPOP STAR SEASON 1. Jae even managed to enter the Top 10, which strengthened JYP's decision to have him join JYP Entertainment.

Finally, this man who is often associated with his glasses chose to join JYP Entertainment after being eliminated. Jae, who has a unique voice and talent in music, finally debuted with DAY6.

Not only famous as a vocalist and guitarist, he has also been a composer and lyricist several times!

7. Seunghoon WINNER

Seunghoon WINNER (Credit: youtube.com/??? ????)

WINNER's leader, Seungyoon, is famous for his appearance on one of the survival shows. Apparently, he is not the only alumni. The main dancer, Seunghoon or Hoon, also participated in KPOP STAR SEASON 1.

Seunghoon's entry into YG Entertainment may not be surprising. Yang Hyun Suk truly cried when Seunghoon said his final goodbye after being eliminated.

This article was written by: Salafi Mufida Hasna

(kpl/mag)