Competing with 5,000 to 10,000 participants, this contest that only gives awards to those who have either best visual, vocal, dancing skills, etc., chose these current K-pop idols as the winners! See who's on the list!
Back in 1999, SM Entertainment organized the first "SM Youth Best Contest" that gave an opportunity to aspiring SM trainees and idols to showcase their hidden talents, and it ran until 2007. The titles that participants can win include the grand prize winner (daesang), best face, best dancer, best singer, and many more.
Among 10,000 and more participants, the following K-pop idols conquered everyone with their talents and skills, winning honors from the competition.
These K-pop Idols Became Trainees Upon Winning in "SM Youth Best Contest"
1.TVXQ
Yunho
In 1999, the first-ever "SM Youth Contest" was launched, and U-Know Yunho is the first participant who was hailed as "Best Dancer." Due to this, he earned the opportunity to be trained under SM Entertainment.
Changmin
Changmin was initially scouted by SME while playing badminton in a gym class, but he rejected the offer then. However, his mother who was a fan of BoA urged him to audition.
He tried out for the SM Youth Best competition, and successfully took home the "Best Singer" award and Grand prize.
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2. Super Junior
Sungmin
In 2001, Sungmin who was truly a pretty boy during that time won the "Best Face" award, and later on, joined the agency.
Donghae
In 2001 as well, Super Junior's Donghae jointly won the "Best Outward Appearance" award along with Sungmin. In addition to this, he was also hailed as the Grand Prize winner, proving his all-rounder talent.
The two signed together with SM Entertainment, and amazingly debuted in the same group as well.
Kangin
For the fourth annual SM Youth Best Contest, then-Super Junior member Kangin also proved his visuals, reigning as the Daesang winner and "Best Face." Just right after being hailed as the winner, he joined SM Entertainment and debuted as a Super Junior member in 2005.
Shindong
In 2005, Shindong became a grand winner the grand winner for the 9th SM Youth Best Contest and got first place for "Best Comedian" as well.
Just months after signing with SM Entertainment, he debuted with the group in the same year.
3. Girls' Generation
Yuri
Yuri, a member of the "Nation's Girl Group" also became a trainee under SME, after winning second place for the "Best Dancer" category in 2001.
Taeyeon
In 2004, Taeyeon joined the 8th SM Best Youth Contest, competing with approximately 10,000 participants. But the female idol proved her golden voice, winning the grand award and first place for "Best Singer."
5. EXO
Kai
Kai, who is currently referred to as one of the best dancers in the K-pop industry, entered SM Entertainment through the contest. His father was the one who encouraged him to join the competition, and due to his spectacular dancing skills, he caught the attention of the agency and won the "Best Dancer" award.
Not only that, as he only stole the hearts of viewers when he also earned the "Popularity Award"!
READ MORE: EXO Kai Confesses That He Misses Performing Live For Fans
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Written by Eunice Dawson
