Being a K-Pop idol is hard work, there is no denying that. Popular acts like Super Junior, Big Bang, or Girls' Generation make it look so easy - they always seem on top of their game and they have been at it for years already, so it can't be that hard, right?

Rookie idol groups know the strenuous process all too well and struggle to not only to compete with the veterans on the charts, but to set themselves apart and gain their own fans.

Recently KpopStarz sat down with LC9, NEGA Network's new boy band (initially known as the Brown Eyed Boys) and they gave us some insight into what it is really like to be an idol just starting out.

First there is the rigorous training period with intensive singing, dancing, acting and language lessons that can last for years (in some cases seven or eight before debuting). "We trained for a long time for [our debut performance] to show what we can do," explained Rasa. "The anticipation thinking about being able to put everything on stage at last was the most exciting [thing]."

Then there is the recording and rehearsing process where complicated routines must be committed to memory and absolute precision and perfection is demanded. In talking about learning the choreography for LC9's debut music video "MaMa Beat," AO said, "The C-walk moves are heavy on footwork so they wore us down a lot during practice."

After the debut there are many more demands as idols then should make their rounds of the various live televised music shows - sometimes competing in as many as four different programs each week. LC9 had their debut TV stages and had the opportunity to see other, more experienced idols in action.

"We got to meet the members of Shinhwa recently when they took first place at a music show," said E.Den. "We felt their charisma and the kind of presence that probably only comes from being 15-year veterans. I got goose bumps hearing their loyal fans chant their name after all these years."

And that is just the beginning of promotions. Every group and every company is different in this respect, but there are a variety of other promotional activities the idols must participate in to get their names out there and gain media recognition and fans. One big one is appearing on various variety shows.

Variety shows give people the chance to see the individual personalities of the idols and give the artists a chance to show they have a lot to offer in terms of the whole 'idol package.' King hit on this point when he mentioned, "We haven't made any appearances at variety shows yet, so our funny talents like impersonations and such have not seen the light of day."

Another typical promotional tool for new idol groups is social media. "In this day and age, artists have to utilize SNS as an advertising platform," explained Rasa. Things like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow the newbies to connect directly with the people listening to and buying their music, and is a crucial component in the promo process.

After a while things begin to settle down - but rest and relaxation never lasts long. Time to get back in the studio, back in the training room, to prepare for the next single, album, or performance.

As demanding a life as it may be, the drive and passion these young idols have for what they do is truly amazing - and with the right amount of dedication, they can really go far. LC9 may be the newest kids on the block, but if they keep at it there is no doubt they will be around for a long time.