2 answers
Charlotte
Student
Knoxville, Tennessee
2
Questions
Asked
1089 views
How do I become a K-pop idol if I have no Asian blood ?
I’ve always wanted to be a K-pop idol, but I don’t want to be a global group. I want to be set in Seoul, I want to speak Korean as my main language, and I want to sing Korean songs. How do I do it?
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2 answers
Magan Pinzon
Nursing
23
Answers
Locust, North Carolina
Updated
Magan’s Answer
Can Non-Asians Become K-pop Idols in Korea?
Yes, but it's rare. While most K-pop idols are Korean or of Asian descent, there are a few exceptions. Groups like Blackswan and VCHA include non-Asian members who promote in Korea. However, these idols often face extra scrutiny, cultural barriers, and limited acceptance from Korean fans compared to their Asian peers. [ibtimes.com]
🧭 Steps to Become a K-pop Idol in Korea (Even Without Asian Heritage)
1. Master Korean Language & Culture
You’ll need to speak Korean fluently—not just for singing, but for interviews, variety shows, and daily life.
Learn Korean etiquette, beauty standards, and social norms. This shows dedication and helps you integrate. [wikihow.com]
2. Train Like a Trainee
Singing, dancing, rapping, and stage presence are essential.
Consider enrolling in a K-pop training school like ACOPIA or KAS (Kpop Art School) in Seoul. These offer intensive programs for foreigners. [koreaboo.com], [kpop-artschool.com]
3. Apply for the K-Culture Training Visa
South Korea now offers a Hallyu Visa for foreigners who want to train in K-pop without needing a contract.
You must enroll in a government-approved institute and apply through your local Korean embassy. [stylevanity.com]
4. Audition for Entertainment Companies
Many companies accept foreign applicants regardless of ethnicity:
SM Entertainment: Accepts global applicants via online and in-person auditions. [audition.smtown.com]
Wakeone Entertainment: No restrictions on nationality, age, or gender. [wake-one.com]
ADOR (HYBE): Known for NewJeans, accepts creative applicants born after 2006. [namastehallyu.com]
YNA Entertainment: Offers global trainee programs with open auditions. [ynaentertainment.com]
💡 Tips to Improve Your Chances
Build a strong online presence: Many idols are scouted via social media.
Join global auditions: Companies like JYP, HYBE, and SM hold auditions worldwide.
Stay emotionally resilient: The industry is competitive and mentally demanding. [avantkorea.kr]
⚠️ Challenges to Be Aware Of
Cultural bias: Korean fans and media may be less accepting of non-Asian idols.
Visa limitations: Long-term stay requires proper documentation.
Industry pressure: Trainee life is intense, with long hours and strict evaluations.
Yes, but it's rare. While most K-pop idols are Korean or of Asian descent, there are a few exceptions. Groups like Blackswan and VCHA include non-Asian members who promote in Korea. However, these idols often face extra scrutiny, cultural barriers, and limited acceptance from Korean fans compared to their Asian peers. [ibtimes.com]
🧭 Steps to Become a K-pop Idol in Korea (Even Without Asian Heritage)
1. Master Korean Language & Culture
You’ll need to speak Korean fluently—not just for singing, but for interviews, variety shows, and daily life.
Learn Korean etiquette, beauty standards, and social norms. This shows dedication and helps you integrate. [wikihow.com]
2. Train Like a Trainee
Singing, dancing, rapping, and stage presence are essential.
Consider enrolling in a K-pop training school like ACOPIA or KAS (Kpop Art School) in Seoul. These offer intensive programs for foreigners. [koreaboo.com], [kpop-artschool.com]
3. Apply for the K-Culture Training Visa
South Korea now offers a Hallyu Visa for foreigners who want to train in K-pop without needing a contract.
You must enroll in a government-approved institute and apply through your local Korean embassy. [stylevanity.com]
4. Audition for Entertainment Companies
Many companies accept foreign applicants regardless of ethnicity:
SM Entertainment: Accepts global applicants via online and in-person auditions. [audition.smtown.com]
Wakeone Entertainment: No restrictions on nationality, age, or gender. [wake-one.com]
ADOR (HYBE): Known for NewJeans, accepts creative applicants born after 2006. [namastehallyu.com]
YNA Entertainment: Offers global trainee programs with open auditions. [ynaentertainment.com]
💡 Tips to Improve Your Chances
Build a strong online presence: Many idols are scouted via social media.
Join global auditions: Companies like JYP, HYBE, and SM hold auditions worldwide.
Stay emotionally resilient: The industry is competitive and mentally demanding. [avantkorea.kr]
⚠️ Challenges to Be Aware Of
Cultural bias: Korean fans and media may be less accepting of non-Asian idols.
Visa limitations: Long-term stay requires proper documentation.
Industry pressure: Trainee life is intense, with long hours and strict evaluations.
Thank you so much! This information really helped and I’ll make sure to look into all the things you suggested!
Charlotte
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Charlotte !
This question comes up every now and again. I think deep down, you probably know just how to be a K-Pop performer.
In reality, everything is going to depend on your circumstances : your age, if you need your parent to accompany you, how popular K-Pop is in Knoxville because you're going to have to start locally to get experience. It would help if you have friends that are also interested in K-Pop to form a group.
Since you are asking how to start, you will need to obtain experience performing and the easiest way to do so would be through your school. Find out about any concerts or variety shows that your school will be doing and participate in all of them. You can easily learn how to speak, read and write Korean through online language programs, however, you're going to need to use it every day and speak in Korean with people to become fluent if that's what you want.
Also, if you plan to immigrate and live in Seoul, learn as much as you can about it from all angles. It's in South Korea and you should learn all about both North and South Korea before deciding to live there. Your parents will have to agree to this. When you are 18, you might be able to make the decision on your own, however, you're going to have to have a lot of money in order to make the travel and live there on your own.
Something important that you should know is that one cannot design a performance career. One must take steps that lead to a career in the entertainment field. Because you love K-Pop so much, your imagination is creating a scenario that may not be in your best interest. You most certainly can attain this career, and they are having older performers, not teens, in K-Pop now, so it won't matter if you spend some time first training and getting experience. It may be that you're not ready for it right at this moment, but you can't just jump in without the knowledge needed for the language, culture, and how to audition. You will also have to be willing to travel to different parts of the country and the world if you really want to be a professional K-Pop performer. Non-Asian singers are doing K-Pop, so that is not an issue.
There is a dance school that teaches K-Pop Dance in Knoxville and I left the link to their website for you below. Through this school, you will meet like minded people and opportunities may come about for you locally or other places. Remember, there are expectations and standards for this entertainment, how flexible and versatile you can be, so learn more about that at the dance school before creating an image or idea that may not be doable. Learning more about how this genre is done will help you come to terms with whether or not you can or want to do it. Ploughvey K-Pop is another company that you can explore in Knoxville. They have an Instagram profile. Let the professional K-Pop people inform you as to how it can be done.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
LEARN K-POP DANCE IN YOUR TOWN OF KNOXVILLE http://knoxkpop.com/
This question comes up every now and again. I think deep down, you probably know just how to be a K-Pop performer.
In reality, everything is going to depend on your circumstances : your age, if you need your parent to accompany you, how popular K-Pop is in Knoxville because you're going to have to start locally to get experience. It would help if you have friends that are also interested in K-Pop to form a group.
Since you are asking how to start, you will need to obtain experience performing and the easiest way to do so would be through your school. Find out about any concerts or variety shows that your school will be doing and participate in all of them. You can easily learn how to speak, read and write Korean through online language programs, however, you're going to need to use it every day and speak in Korean with people to become fluent if that's what you want.
Also, if you plan to immigrate and live in Seoul, learn as much as you can about it from all angles. It's in South Korea and you should learn all about both North and South Korea before deciding to live there. Your parents will have to agree to this. When you are 18, you might be able to make the decision on your own, however, you're going to have to have a lot of money in order to make the travel and live there on your own.
Something important that you should know is that one cannot design a performance career. One must take steps that lead to a career in the entertainment field. Because you love K-Pop so much, your imagination is creating a scenario that may not be in your best interest. You most certainly can attain this career, and they are having older performers, not teens, in K-Pop now, so it won't matter if you spend some time first training and getting experience. It may be that you're not ready for it right at this moment, but you can't just jump in without the knowledge needed for the language, culture, and how to audition. You will also have to be willing to travel to different parts of the country and the world if you really want to be a professional K-Pop performer. Non-Asian singers are doing K-Pop, so that is not an issue.
There is a dance school that teaches K-Pop Dance in Knoxville and I left the link to their website for you below. Through this school, you will meet like minded people and opportunities may come about for you locally or other places. Remember, there are expectations and standards for this entertainment, how flexible and versatile you can be, so learn more about that at the dance school before creating an image or idea that may not be doable. Learning more about how this genre is done will help you come to terms with whether or not you can or want to do it. Ploughvey K-Pop is another company that you can explore in Knoxville. They have an Instagram profile. Let the professional K-Pop people inform you as to how it can be done.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! This information really helped! I’ll check out the website👍
Charlotte
You are very welcome !
Michelle M.