Idol life is one of the most hard-working, demanding, busy and difficult career choices to make. It requires idols to put in work from dawn to dawn, trying to make it in the industry. While it is still hard after being immensely successful, it is even harder for trainees who oftentimes have to make life-altering decisions to get started on their dream journey.
As such, many such idols who are incredibly successful today have had to make the sometimes difficult and sometimes obvious decision of having to drop out of school to become an idol. Here are some idols who decided to pursue their dreams even if that meant dropping out of school.
1. KANG DANIEL
During a variety show appearance, Kang Daniel, who is now the CEO of his own label KONNECT ENTERTAINMENT, stated that he quite confidently told his parents that he believed he had a path laid out for him even if he did not opt for higher education. He did not enter college but instead, focused completely on his career. However, he ended up taking the GED after appearing in Mnet's "Produce 101" and is now studying in Kyunghee Cyber University along with maintaining an illustrious career.
2. NCT DOYOUNG
As a young teenager Doyoung joined his school's cultural group and played the flute in various cultural events after mastering the instrument. In 2013, he won first place at the Gyeonggi Youth Arts Festival, and was cast into S.M. Entertainment later in the same year. He once revealed that he had lied to his friends in high school, telling them that he was moving to the Netherlands whereas he was actually going to drop out of school to pursue his dreams.
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3. INFINITE HOYA
Hoya knew right from the start that chasing his dream was important for him. He dropped out of high school in his first year to pursue singing. As his father was against this decision, he was forced to leave home and fend for himself and his dreams. He auditioned for Woollim Entertainment and got in, later forming INFINITE where he stayed for 7 years. He even took the high school qualification test and passed after which his father accepted him wholeheartedly. Hoya has now graduated from Daekyeung University, majoring in Applied Music.
4. SHINEE TAEMIN
Debuting at the young age of 14, Taemin is basically K-Pop royalty now. He had a lot on his plate right from the beginnings of his career and in March 2011, he transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School from his previous school, Chungdam High School to accommodate his hectic schedule for Shinee's Japanese advancement. As this new school was lenient on students focusing on their careers, Taemin was able to continue both simultaneously. He graduated in February 2012, but was unable to make it to the ceremony due to his group's activities. He is currently majoring in Musical and Film at Myongji University.
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5. GOT7 MARK
Mark attended Arcadia High School in California and was spotted by a JYP Entertainment scout while at school. He was invited to audition but initially was not interested. Later when his friends and family convinced him to take the leap, he auditioned and made it into JYPE. He dropped out of school and began his life as a trainee, moving to South Korea where he took acrobatics, martial arts, singing, dancing and rap lessons.
