By Noh Hyun-gi
With the popularity of audition shows like "Super Star K," "The Great Birth," and "Survival Audition K-Pop Star," the door to stardom has widened.
This month, major Korean talent agencies JYP Entertainment, SM entertainment and DSP Media are starting their search for star material.
JYP Entertainment, the agency for the Wonder Girls and 2PM, is now accepting applications for first round auditions for aspiring stars in six regions: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Chungju, Gangneung, and Gwangju. The deadline for applications is the day prior to the audition date in each location.
The agency is looking for fresh faces in five categories: singers, actors, models, VJs and producers/songwriters. One can submit an application with appropriate material at https://audition.jype.com.
The final audition will be held in February, and the top three winners will receive opportunities to train with the agency.
This year, JYP Entertainment is collaborating with a clothing brand Hum. One contestant from the final round will receive the Hum Star Award to become a trainee at the agency. In addition, the Hum Star Award winner will sign a one-year model contract with the brand.
The contestant who receives the Seoul Art Technical College President's Award at the final audition, will receive a one-year scholarship if he or she enroll at the school.
Aside from the annual audition event, one can visit the JYP office in Gangnam, Seoul, every first and third Monday at 2 p.m. for auditions throughout the year.
SM Entertainment, home for BoA, TVXQ, Girls' Generation and Super Junior, is also accepting applications for auditions in 15 cities in Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Canada from January to March.
"The 2012 SM Global Audition" will start in Korea (Busan on Jan. 8, Daegu on Jan. 14, Gwangju on Jan. 15, and Seoul on Jan 28 and 29.) In February, the agency will hold auditions in China and the United States. Then it will travel to Canada and Japan in March. This is the first time SM Entertainment is recruiting in Japan.
The agency is looking for singers, dancers, actors, MCs/VJs, models, producers and songwriters. The required material varies per category. Applicants can submit their material through email at 2012kroea@smtown.com or via www.youtube.com/audtion.
In addition to the global auditions, the agency holds public auditions every Saturday at 3 p.m. throughout the year at Eversing Entertainment in Apgujeong, Seoul.
The auditions are open to everyone and the selected applicants will sign a contract with the agency.
DSP Media, agency of girl group KARA, is accepting online applications at www.sendmall.co.kr/audition/main.asp. Successful applicants will be notified via text for an on-site audition on Jan. 7.
While YG Entertainment —agency of 2NE1 and Big Bang — hasn't opened an online application system, one can send material via post to its office in Hapjeong, Seoul.