We all know how K-pop idols have to go through a training period before debuting. They mesmerize the audience with their sharp and glowed talents. Some K-pop idols have more extended trainee periods than others, taking the period of more than a decade. However, continuing with the challenging training period and achieving their goals show their love, determination, and dedication towards their dreams. Here are 10 K-pop idols who had the most prolonged training period.
1. Kim Ji-Hyun
Popularly known as G.SOUL, he made his debut under JYP Entertainment as a soloist. Born on June 16, 1988, the "Bad Habit" singer made his debut on January 19, 2015, having a training period of 15 years. He left JYP Entertainment in 2017 and joined H1GHR Music.
2. Moon Sua
Born on September 9, 1999, Moon Sua made her debut under MYSTIC Story on November 10, 2021. She is a rapper, singer and lyricist under the group BILLLIE. She was a part of the pre-debut group called 'Future 2NE1,' and trained with BLACKPINK members in YG Entertainment, but she left the company after ten years for training and joined MYSTIC Story. After training for another two years, she debuted with the group BILLLIE.
3. Kwon Ji-Yong
Popularly known as G-Dragon, he made his debut in 2006 with the group BIG BANG. He is a songwriter, record producer, rapper, singer, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. He was a part of the group Little Roo'Ra at six years old. Later, he becomes a trainee under SM Entertainment. Trained for five years, he left the company and joined YG Entertainment, where he trained for another six years. He trained for eleven years.
4. Aisha
She debuted with a girl group, EVERGLOW, under YUEHUA Entertainment in 2019. She trained for nine years in JYP Entertainment. After she left the company, she became a trainee under YUEHUA Entertainment. She trained for two years in YUEHUA Entertainment, making a total of 11 years of the training period.
5. Jihyo
She made her debut with the girl group "TWICE" under JYP Entertainment in 2015. She became a trainee at 8 and trained for ten years before debuting. She is the leader and vocalist of the group. She trained with K-pop icons like SUNMI, Hyerim, Bae Suzy, Jo Kwon and 2 PM's Nickhyun. She was scouted by JYP Entertainment after she won second place in the contest by NAVER.
6. Johnny
He made his debut with NCT in 2017 under SM Entertainment. Before his debut, Johnny was known as a trainee having the longest training period among all the SM artists and trainees. He is a rapper and sub-vocalist of NCT U and NCT 127. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and became a trainee in 2008, after passing an SM Global Audition. He trained with EXO and Red Velvet members.
7. Xiyeon
Xiyeon debuted with the girl group PRISTIN in 2017 under PLEDIS Entertainment. She trained for nine years after auditioning for PLEDIS Entertainment. However, PRISTIN disbanded in 2019, and she left the company. Later, she signed with Seo Yeon Kang Entertainment in 2020 and continued her career as an actress. She was a former child actress, singer, and model.
8. Miyeon
Miyeon was a trainee at YG Entertainment, where she trained for five years with the BLACKPINK members. However, she left the company, joined CUBE Entertainment in 2017 and debuted as a main vocalist of the group G-IDLE in 2018 and later, she voiced Ahri in the virtual K-pop girl group K/DA. She spent a total of 8 years training before debuting.
9. Seulgi
She debuted with the girl group Red Velvet in 2014 under SM Entertainment. She became a trainee in 2007 and spent seven years of training. She is a member of the Red Velvet sub-unit Irene & Seulgi, and the girl group GOT THE BEAT.
10. Shownu
He is a member of the boy group MONSTA X which debuted in 2015 through a Survival show 'No Mercy' under Starship Entertainment. He had a training period of 7 years before debuting. He was a trainee for about two years in JYP Entertainment after placing first in the JYP Auditions in 2009. He left JYP Entertainment and joined Starship Entertainment and debuted as the leader, main dancer, and lead vocalist in the group.
