The K-pop trainee system is famous for being long, but the actual numbers vary by member more than fans realize. This Short pairs the longest and shortest trainee years inside several big groups.
Quick takes from the video
- Some members trained for under a year, while others crossed the seven-year mark.
- Long trainee periods often correlate with stronger pre-debut multi-language ability.
- Shorter trainee periods often come with stronger natural performance instincts on debut.
Why it caught attention
There is no single right number for trainee years. The same group can have a member who joined six months before debut and one who waited most of their teens for the same call, and both can become signature voices in the group's sound.
Watch the full Short on YouTube