How can you prepare for K-Pop auditions as a foreigner?

An audition is the first step to entering the Korean entertainment industry.
If you're not Korean, you might be thinking "What should I do to prepare for a K-Pop audition?" Here are some tips from a K-Pop Vocal Coach, Kim Seo Hyeon, who has been working in the industry for over 18 years.

1. Procedures for an audition

(1) How to apply: You can apply for both online and offline auditions. You can normally apply through the entertainment company's official website or Instagram page. There are a variety of audition types - open auditions(centre auditions), internal auditions, audition programmes, joint auditions etc.

(2) Screening procedure: Generally, after passing the document screening (1st round), an in-person audition is held (2nd round). Even if you were accepted online, you must ultimately go through an in-person audition. It usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to hear back about whether you were accepted.

2. You will need to write a self introduction document

Your self-introduction document is the first gateway to your audition. You should write it in a way that conveys your passion and sincerity. Explaining about yourself well means you introspect deeply about yourself. You will need to include your name, age, height, weight, where you live, your hobbies and your specialities as a given, and you will need to clearly write what your personality is and what your strengths are.

3. Audition Preparation - Songs

(1) Choosing your song: You need to prepare 1~2 songs at minimum, whether it's K-Pop or Pop. It would be good to prepare an additional song of a different style.

(2) Presenting your songs: You would either need to prepare the MR or sing without the backing track. If you sang a slower song, you should pick a song with a faster tempo for your additional song, and vice versa. For your additional song, focus on singing only the highlight.

(3) Korean songs: Even if you're a foreigner, it would be good to prepare a song with Korean lyrics. If you were to sing a K-Pop song in particular, it would help with the evaluation of your skills. Pronunciation practice is essential, and if your pronunciation is good, you can receive a more positive evaluation.

4. Audition Preparation - Dance

(1) Choosing your dance: Instead of using flashy techniques, it would be good to show clean and accurate moves. You should also work hard to show your individuality and charm as you're dancing.

(2) What to prepare: Prepare 1 K-Pop song and 1 other choreography. It would be good to prepare 2 songs of different styles. You must prepare the music files for this.

5. Interview

(1) What to prepare: You need to prepare for realistic questions such as whether you can live in Korea as a foreigner and what you would do for your schooling.

(2) How to respond: It is important to answer honestly and sincerely. It's not good to hesitate or avoid answering.

6. What should I focus on when preparing for an audition??

(1) Strengthen your skills: You have to show your skills and charm as much as possible. You should clearly identify your position and prepare accordingly.

(2) Objective analysis: You should analyse your potential for each role such as Main Vocal, Main Rapper, Lead Vocal, Main Dancer etc. and prepare accordingly.

7. The importance of appearance

(1) Taking care of your image: Instead of the beauty of your face, your image is important. You need to pay attention to makeup, hairstyle, and fashion that can highlight your image..

(2) Diet and health: Your appearance isn't the only thing that's important. A healthy body is important too. The 1st round of auditions is really short and there will be a camera test too so your proportions are extremely important. It is essential to maintain a healthy and slim body through proper diet management and exercise.

What's important when it comes to audition preparations is your own efforts and your preparations. Show your strengths well and solidify your position, you can get good results only if you prepare thoroughly. We cheer you on and hope you can achieve your dreams through pro-activeness and good efforts, even as a foreigner.