These idols were rejected and let go by the "BIG 3" agencies, but little did they know that they just missed huge stars in the making!

For most idol-aspirants, trainees usually dream of joining the "BIG 3" -  SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. The bigger the company, the higher attention it will receive.

While these idols also tried to join the aforementioned companies, they either failed the audition or were let go amid training.

But for a plot twist and "revenge," they ended up becoming among the biggest names in the K-pop industry, most likely leaving the companies in regret!

Here Are Famous Idols Rejected By 'BIG 3' Companies

(G)I-DLE Miyeon

Miyeon recently opened up that she used to train under YG Entertainment when she was in middle school. At the time, she only made it until the third round, but she was desperate to make it into the final, so Miyeon personally went to the company and met the founder to give him her CD demo.

ALSO READ: Was Miyeon Really Part of PINK PUNK Debut Lineup? Here's What the (G)I-DLE Member Said

Eventually, she became a YG trainee for five years and was said to almost debut with BLACKPINK, but was let go.

She later moved to Cube Entertainment, debuted as (G)I-DLE, and is now enjoying a massive popularity.

IU

In her past interviews, IU revealed that prior to being the "Nation's Sweetheart" and one of Korea's best singers and actresses, she was repeatedly rejected by a lot of agencies, including JYP Entertainment.

When J.Y. Park heard this, he confessed his regrets, saying:

"I hit the ground and regretted it. Had I known, I would have found the audition manager and disciplined him at the time."

Despite failures, IU didn't lose hope. After auditioning for Loen Entertainment, she finally debuted in 2008 and established her position as an icon.

BTS J-Hope

Global K-pop star J-Hope of BTS was also let go by JYP Entertainment. In particular, he joined an audition organized by the company with his dance team and ended up winning a Popularity Award.

Unfortunately, JYP didn't offer J-hope a trainee contract. At the time, he then decided to audition for Big Hit Entertainment (hereinafter HYBE) and after training, he debuted as BTS member.

EXID Hani

Before making it big with EXID, Hani used to train under JYP Entertainment. Shockingly, JYP Entertainment wasn't even aware she was a trainee under his company before.

Luckily, everything still worked out for Hani and attained her heyday after her viral fancam for "UP&DOWN."

Hyolyn

In the past, Hyolyn revealed that she was a former JYP trainee and was actually preparing to debut in a three-member girl group. Unfortunately, it didn't work out due to some circumstances.

Still, Hyolyn was able to reach stardom after going to Starship Entertainment and debuting as SISTAR.

Lee Hyori

In the past, "Nation's Fairy" Lee Hyori was cast by SM Entertainment and she started training to join S.E.S.

However, due to SM Entertainment's tiring tight schedule, Lee Hyori eventually ended up quitting without the company adjusting her schedule instead.

Lee Hyori didn't give up her dream of becoming a singer, and entered DSP Entertainment. She eventually debuted as Fin.K.L.

Sunmi

Sunmi also auditioned for SM Entertainment when she was in the sixth grade of elementary school. However, due to her young age, the company was skeptical to scout her as a trainee.

At the time, an SM staff transferring into JYP Entertainment recommended she join the latter company instead – and the rest is history!

READ MORE: 15 K-pop Idols Who Left Their Initial Company and Debuted in Different Agency

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.