5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
Survival shows or audition programs are among the main ways for aspiring K-pop idols to find an agency and debut in the music industry. While some were lucky enough to debut after competing in only one survival show, others failed to be part of the debut lineup multiple times.
5+ K-pop Idols Who Participated in Multiple Survival Shows Prior to Debuting
1. Lee Chaeyeon (Former IZ*ONE Member)
5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
Lee Chaeyeon first competed in "K-pop Star 3" in November 2013 along with her sister Lee Chaeryeong, who is now a member of ITZY. They were eliminated from the audition show, but they were accepted as trainees at JYP Entertainment.
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The siblings then took part in JYP's 2015 survival show "SIXTEEN," which formed a girl group now called TWICE. Chaeyeon, however, was eliminated in episode 3. She left JYP afterward and signed with WM Entertainment.
After three years, she was announced as one of the contestants in Mnet's "Produce 48." She successfully finished in 12th place, making her a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE.
2. TWICE Momo
5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
While many knew TWICE Momo through JYP's "SIXTEEN," she actually participated in another audition show prior to that, and that is "Superstar K3." Sadly, she got eliminated in the third round of the competition show.
She then became a JYP trainee and later a contestant on "SIXTEEN." She was eliminated in episode six but was added to TWICE's debut lineup in the final episode. Now, she's one of the best dancers in the K-pop industry.
3. WINNER Seungyoon
5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
Kang Seungyoon first became a participant in Mnet's "Superstar K2," where he showcased his unique vocal tone, impressing many people including the judges. He finished in fourth place and was given a chance to be a trainee at YG Entertainment.
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Although he debuted as a soloist in 2013, Seungyoon once again competed in a survival show, particularly YG's "Who Is Next: WIN." His team ended up winning the reality program, and they are now called WINNER.
4. BAE173 Hangyul
5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
Lee Hangyul is known to be a former participant in the rebooting project show "The Unit." However, he only finished in 13th place, hence, he was unable to debut as a UNB member.
In 2019, he competed in Mnet's "Produce X 101," and this time, he managed to be part of the final top 11, taking the No. 7 spot. He went on to debut as a member of X1, which unfortunately disbanded after the "Produce 101" vote manipulation controversy.
Hangyul then re-debuted in the duo called H&D alongside his labelmate and fellow X1 member Dohyon. In November 2020, the duo re-debuted as members of a new boy group named BAE173.
5. Most iKON Members
5+ K-pop Idols Who Competed in Several Survival Shows Before Debuting
Excluding Chanwoo, all iKON members appeared on two survival shows. They first competed as Team B in "Who Is Next: WIN" (which formed WINNER). After failing to win the show, the members participated in YG's next survival show "Mix and Match."
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In the final episode, all Team B members and Chanwoo were chosen to debut as a boy group called iKON.
Do you know other K-pop idols who went through multiple survival shows or audition programs before they could debut? Name them in the comments section below!
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Written by Maria Scott
