All the celebrities now were a rookie then, but some couldn't even be one. One of the essential traits for becoming a Korean celebrity, is looks. You might have heard how some actors were legit chased for joining the industry, but few were even rejected. Their rejection didn't stop them but instead sparked up their motive more. Let's see about some of these celebrities :
1. IU
Nation's sweetheart, Lee Ji Eun, a.k.a. IU. She is a Renowned singer and songwriter under Kakao M (former LEON Entertainment) since 2007. Everyone acclaims her for being lucky and famous. But she wasn't this lucky from the start. She was rejected by JYPE every time she auditioned. To make it worse, she was scammed three times. She sure had a difficult time, but she's still kind-hearted and is standing firm. Even after so many years, JYP exclaims that it breaks his heart to see IU, as they lost such a great talent.
2. Hwasa
Ahn Hye Jin, a.k.a. Hwasa, is a sexy diva famous for her unique vocals style. Being born in a country where beauty standards and pale skin are exaggerated, she had a difficult time growing up because of her tanned skin and curvy figure. While auditioning in entertainment agencies, she was often acclaimed as "too sexy" and not fit. She was sad but not going to give it a rest. She strived for her dreams and debuted as a vocalist in 2014, as the youngest member of MAMAMOO. She decided to be herself instead of forcing herself to be someone else and is a role model for many. Along with group projects, she also has solo albums.
3. Cho-A
Park Cho-a, well known as a former member of the South Korean girl group AOA. She had a difficult time before her debut because she was rejected by both SME and JYPE, the most significant entertainment agencies. She tried for SME 15 times but was rejected. She later auditioned for FNC, and debuted as a member of AOA.
4. J-Hope
Sunshine and dance leader of the biggest South Korean boyband BTS, Jung Hoseok, a.k.a. J-Hope. During his initial trainee period, he was considered ugly according to Korean standards, and so he was rejected by JYPE. He later auditioned for Big Hit and debuted as a member of the biggest South Korean history creator boyband, BTS. J-Hope proved his rejection to be super flop by becoming the main dancer and rapper of BTS. J-Hope is also well known for his trendy fashion sense, which surely is a slap for haters saying them ugly.
5. Crush
Also known as Shin Hyo Seob. 29-year-old famous soloist and hip-hop artist. He was rejected by YG entertainment; the stated reason is that he wasn't that appealing at the moment. His singles have risen to the top ten in Gaon Digital Chart. He is signed under PNation.
6. Sung-Jae
BTOB's Yook Sungjae also auditioned for JYPE but got rejected. On asking the reason for rejection, he was jokingly told that might be because of your hairstyle. Though it is a joke now, it sure was heartbreaking at that moment for a newcomer.
7. Hani
Also known as Ahn Hee Yeon. However, she wasn’t rejected straight by JYPE. She ended up being cut after being a trainee for many years. The reason behind the judgement was unfair. So, she left for China to continue her studies. But realized later that why should she get bothered by their judgment. Later she joined Banana Culture Entertainment and debuted as a member of EXID.
8. Rain
After getting rejected by SME and many other agencies, one of the biggest South Korean singer, actor, and dancer Jung Ji Hoon a.k.a. Rain, debuted under JYPE. While filming a documentary, he stated that he was told that his singing and dancing was great, but he couldn't make it because he did not have double eyelids.
9. CL
Lee Chae Rin is not only famous as a former member of K-Pop group 2NE1 but also, as a charismatic and fierce solo rapper. She was initially a trainee at JYPE but was later cut off mysteriously, stating that her style was not according to their requirements.
10. JYP
The most shocking rejection of the list is of the founder of one of the biggest entertainment agencies JYP Entertainment, Park Jin Young. He was rejected by SME because of his visuals. He later debuted on his own. Some of the notable artist under JYP Entertainment are- Stray Kids, Twice, Itzy, Got7, 2PM, Day6, Miss A, Rain, 2AM, and many more. He legit proved that it’s not over until it’s over.
