Are other K-pop companies already taking notes? In a broadcast, EXO Xiumin might have spilled SM Entertainment's "secret ingredient" behind their top-tier artists after saying THIS to trainees.

EXO Xiumin Reveals How Future NCT Members Are Being Trained in Viral Clip – Is It SM's 'Secret Ingredient'?

Among "Pink Bloods" (SM Artists fans), there is an inside joke that idols under the company have top-notch visuals and S-tier/A-tier talents because of the so-called "SM water."

There are also jokes that SM has been "keeping" and training the most talented trainees in their "basements" and are just waiting for the right time for their debut.

However, contrary to the aforementioned inside jokes of the fandom, EXO Xiumin might have revealed some "secret ingredient" of why SM artists can immediately climb atop the music scene after their debut!

(Photo : Xiumin (Sports Kyunghyang))

ALSO READ: EXO's Live Performance of Hits 'Growl,' 'Overdose,' More Gets Rave Reviews from K-pop Fans: 'They all sing so good'

On August 24, the latest episode of "NCT Universe: LASTART" was aired, featuring the third mission under the theme "SM Masterpiece Mission in Japanese."

In this mission, trainees are divided into two groups where they are required to perform TVXQ's "Keep Your Head Down" (Japanese version) and EXO's "Electric Kiss."

Prior to the main stage, Xiumin made a surprise visit to the practice room to personally cheer and encourage the trainees.

(Photo : Xiumin, NCT LASTART trainees (Sports Kyunghyang))

Xiumin transformed into a sensible mentor who gave his on-point and clear feedback to the trainees to help them improve their performance.

Prior to the competition, the "Electric Kiss" team, who were fascinated to see the EXO member, showed off a disciplined knife-like group dance even though the dance movement changed just an hour before the competition.

However, in a viral clip shared on TikTok, Xiumin particularly drew attention for the insight he shared with the trainees, saying:

"To be honest, singing is more important than dancing."

(Photo : Xiumin, NCT LASTART trainees (TenAsia))

He added:

"If you can't sing well, no matter how good you are at dancing, you won't look talented. Have you practiced singing while dancing?"

After asking them to perform the hard choreo once again while singing live, Xiumin then started boosting their confidence with praise and recognized their improvements.

EXO Xiumin Garners Rave Reviews as Mentor in 'NCT Universe: LASTART'

Following the broadcast, Xiumin as a mentor drew attention from K-pop fans.

In the show, he did not only shower the team with praise and admiration, but also clearly and calmly pointed out the areas and parts that they needed to improve without scaring them or destroying their confidence.

   @lelegotmyheart_ so, this is the mindset of sm artists, no wonder their vocals always ATE #nctlastart #exo #xiumin #electrickiss ♬ original sound - °•    

As an experienced idol, Xiumin also shared the importance of being able to sing live while performing a song's choreography, hinting as to why EXO is known as "Live Vocals Kings."

With this, EXO-Ls felt proud and took to SNS to express their admiration to the "You" singer.

• "@/F.E Eri:I just love that he's giving actual advice and help instead of how the usual mentors on survival shows just criticize the trainees."
• "@/phixo: Baozi can be a great mentor swear I mean all of EXO members know how to handle people."
• @/itssssJA:I love the fact that he gave advice to them directly to the point. It means he's in a serious mode that needs serious solutions. From what I noticed, EXO members are perfectionists. No wonder they gave great advice to their hoobaes since they themselves do it with diligence."
• "@/ashleigh: Watching SM artists do this is like spilling the secret ingredient."
• @/dandroid: From a fan perspective it's so right because there will be songs that don't have dance and if you can't sing, man it's so awkward to watch."

READ MORE: Girls' Generation Hyoyeon's SURPRISE Role in 'NCT Universe: LASTART' Leaves Fans Stunned— Here’s What You NEED to Know

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Written by Eunice Dawson.