5 K-Pop Idols Who Face Rejection Before Hitting It Big: IU, 2NE1 CL, More

In the fiercely competitive realm of K-Pop, the journey to stardom is often paved with rejection for many aspiring idols.

Recent revelations on Quora shed light on the remarkable stories of some of the industry's best-rejected talents who defied initial setbacks to achieve phenomenal success.

Overcoming Image-Based Obstacles 

IU

Singer-songwriter and actress IU faced an initial audition failure at JYP Entertainment. Nevertheless, her spirit remained undaunted as she embarked on a traineeship with Kakao M.

At a mere fifteen years old, IU made her debut and subsequently ascended to become one of South Korea's most influential figures.

2NE1 CL

The multifaceted artist CL, renowned for her singing, songwriting, rapping, and producing, encountered rejection during her training days at JYP Entertainment. 

However, her unwavering determination eventually led her to success as a member of the iconic girl group 2NE1.

MAMAMOO

All four members of Mamamoo faced repeated rejection from various agencies primarily due to their physical appearances. Moonbyul, for instance, originally slated to debut in a rap group, encountered weight-related concerns.

Yet, their fortunes took a turn for the better when they found their home at RBW Entertainment, where their unique talents flourished, earning them widespread recognition.

READ ALSO: 10 K-pop Idols Dominating 2023 With Their Multi-million Dollar Empires: JY Park, G-Dragon, More  

JYP

In an unexpected twist, Park Jin-young (JYP), the founder and CEO of JYP Entertainment, endured rejection in the early stages of his career.

Auditioning with his own composition before Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, JYP was turned down due to perceived visual shortcomings.

Unfazed, he went on to establish his own company and subsequently achieved immense success as both an artist and a producer.

RED VELVET

Wendy, Chungha, Rain, and Crush: Wendy from Red Velvet, Chungha, Rain, and Crush, all sought auditions with YG Entertainment but faced rejection. Undeterred, they pursued their dreams with relentless determination.

Today, Wendy is celebrated as one of Red Velvet's most gifted vocalists, Chungha has blossomed into a prominent solo artist, Rain stands as one of Asia's biggest stars, and Crush has carved a niche for himself as an accomplished R&B artist.

These narratives serve as potent reminders that rejection should never define an individual's potential for success.

The unwavering commitment and exceptional talents of these initially rejected K-Pop idols enabled them to surmount adversities and transform their aspirations into reality within the cutthroat K-Pop domain.

As the K-Pop industry continues to evolve, it is anticipated that more stories of rejected idols forging their path to success will emerge.

These stories symbolize the indomitable spirit and talent of individuals who refuse to relinquish their dreams, in turn, inspiring countless others along their arduous journeys.

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KpopStarz own this article.
Madison Cullen wrote this.