Epik High Tablo Reveals Why He Rejected JYP Casting Offer + Tukutz Almost Debuted in SM, But Here's Why He Didn't
On the 19th, K-hip-hop icon Epik High appeared as guests on "Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook." During the fun interview, members Tablo and DJ Tukutz shared the story of why they declined SM & JYP Entertainment casting offers, and later on debuted on Woollim and YG Entertainment instead.
Epik High members Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz joined KBS 2TV's "Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook" as special guests.
In the broadcast, the K-hip-hop artists drew the attention of K-pop and music enthusiasts as they revealed stories of being cast by SM and JYP Entertainment before their debut under Woollim and later on signed with YG Entertainment.
Epik High Tablo Reveals Reason Why He Rejected JYP Entertainment to Become their Trainee
In the broadcast, Epik High shocked viewers by telling a story that they almost not debut as a group if they made a different decision back then.
In particular, Tablo opened the topic by revealing that he initially auditioned and was cast by JYP Entertainment, home to artists such as TWICE and Stray Kids.
However, he added that he turned down the offer and later on debuted under Woollim with his co-members Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz.
"I rejected the casting offer because of the different musical styles."
During that time, G.O.D, Rain and Byul were the artists affiliated with JYP, and considering Tablo's background as a hip hop artist, he thought he doesn't match their style.
Furthermore, NOEL, debuted later under the agency, which caused a stir in the scene, highlighting how Tablo almost debuted under the ballad boy group.
ALSO READ: Famous Trainees Who Left Their Agencies Before Debut + Pursue Different Careers
DJ Tukutz Shares How He Almost Debuted Under SM Entertainment
Meanwhile, DJ Tukutz also shared his story of almost not debuting with Epik High if he chose to enter SM Entertainment.
The K-hip-hop artist narrated that he was scouted by the company after winning from a dance contest.
"When I was in middle school, I participated in a dance contest at a department store in Guri-si and received an award. I heard that there was an SM casting director there. That's why he called my house about three times, but my mother didn't tell me and rejected it for me. I heard this from my mom a few years ago," he said.
DJ Tukutz continued his story that after the offer rejection, H.O.T, made their debut, adding a plot twist to the story.
He clarified that it doesn't mean he would debut as a H.O.T member as well if he entered at that time, viewers conveyed that given his talent, DJ Tukutz will most likely debut under SM Entertainment if his mother didn't decline the offer.
Nevertheless, Yoo Hee Yeol and the members conveyed that rejecting the offers made them where they are now.
As the broadcast went on, Epik High revealed that they are preparing for a year-end concert, expressing expectations for a face-to-face concert.
READ MORE: These K-Pop Idols Were Almost Kicked Out of Their Companies as Trainees
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Written by Eunice Dawson
