Reuters Reveals Becoming A K-Pop Star Is 'The Most Popular Career Choice' In South Korea

Newly debuted girl group GFriend has been receiving some international press lately.

Last week, the international news agency Reuters published an article claiming, “thousands of Korean children dream of becoming household names like rapper Psy...[putting up with] punishing schedules in the hope of one day making it big in the industry.”

A survey showed that 21 percent of pre-teens wanted to be a K-pop star when they grew up, making it the most popular career choice in South Korea.

Reuters interviewed newly-debuted K-pop girl group GFriend, former trainees and several young children who hoped to become a singer one day.

Nine-year-old Kim Si Yoon has a tough schedule, as she balances school and singing practice.

"It is tough," Kim said. "So, I am trying to have fun. And when I make the effort, I can perform better." 

Former aspiring K-pop star Jang Ha Jin entered SM Entertainment 10 years ago after winning a talent contest. She trained for three years, before quitting and returning to school.

“The most difficult part, in fact, was when I saw myself and felt like I didn’t grow up,” Jang said.

She revealed that several of her peers that continued training to be a Hallyu artists have found some success in the music industry .

“The time they spent is painful, but it is worth it,” she said.

GFriend's Sowon trained five years before debuting under the group GFriend.

“I am thinking only one thing [I hope] our song keeps being played,” she said. “I hope to perform anywhere, anytime, even if I can’t sleep or I am tired.”

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GFRIEND
Girl Group
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