[Student Reporters] Craving for a Little Taste of Fame
June Choi / 10th Campbell Hall
According to a Korean Quiz Game Show "Sebakkee" the most wanted job for Korean teenagers is "idols". Idols include singers dancers actors and entertainers. Being a part of the growing entertainment business in Korea has become a popular dream for many teenagers in both Korea and the United States.
The path to fame and fortune begins with auditions. Korean entertainment companies such as SM (SooMan) or JYP (JinYoung Park) have "global" auditions. For example in 2008 SM Entertainment held a Global Audition in Hawaii Los Angeles Washington D.C. Orange County New York San Francisco Toronto and Vancouver from September 19 to October 25. JYP held an audition in Los Angeles (March 15 2008) and in New York (March 9 2009).
If one survives to the final round of the audition then he or she will most likely be sent to Korea. The companies will pay for everything including school and voice dancing and acting lessons.
For example Tiffany and Jessica from "Girls' Generation" attended Kent Foreign School an English- Korean boarding school in Seoul during their training days. After 1 to 7 years of training he or she will debut in music programs such as Inkigayo Music Core or Music Bank.
" Dancing traditional Korean dances for example the drum sword and fan dance she has been dancing "forever" on stages. "I have been surrounded by the entertainment industry since I was about four years old. I want to be popular and famous so I can help my parents and give them support." Dedicated to becoming a famous singer-dancer Hannah is working hard. She is taking auditions dance lessons singing lessons and acting classes.
Korean-American idols are popping up more and more in Korea. Tiffany and Jessica from "Girls' Generation" lived in the United States. Nicole from "Kara" was also born in the States as well. There are also Beka from "After School" Taecyeon from "2PM" Tablo from "Epik High" and many more.