Audition Tapes: Before They Were Stars Part I

Before they were huge stars, they were just a bunch of awkward, pubescent kids who had dreams and goals like the rest of us. Some of us want to be doctors, lawyers, vets, social workers, and others want to be superstars and these too-cute-for-words kids just happened to want to sing and dance for the world. Let's take a look at part 1 of future idol stars who had no idea that their talents and looks would carry them through so far!

IU's singing audition tape for JYP Entertainment is too sweet to watch. In an interview with KBS, JYP said about IU, "My heart breaks every time I see IU. I'm going to find the person who rejected IU from our audition and penalize him." IU unfortunately did not make the cut to be a part of JYP Entertainment and instead signed a contract with Loen Entertainment.

Goo Hara's dancing audition tape for JYP is so adorable! Although she was cut from JYPE, Goo Hara went on to have huge success with group, KARA and as a female MC.

How awkward was lanky Yoona in this audition video for SM Entertainment? Her body was so darn long and it's just super cute to watch her then and to see her now!

Park Bom, before surgery and before 2NE1, was just a really talented and naturally pretty gal from Maryland. Watch her YG audition tape and tell me that she didn't need all that stuff done to her face!

Onew, what in ghandi's name is with your hair? I can't take all the awkwardness and cuteness of Onew's SM audition video. He's come a long way since!

So, the big names auditioned too. Next up are products of audition shows, and their road to K-popdom in Part II.