Sunmi Recalls Time She Auditioned for JYP — Her Reason for Trying Out Isn't What Everyone Would Expect

Sunmi recently talked about her audition for JYP Entertainment, and her primary reason for trying out isn't the case for most K-pop trainees.

Here's Main Reason Former Wonder Girls Sunmi Auditioned for JYP Entertainment

On March 9, Sunmi was the guest for Spotify's newest episode of its original podcast series, "Spotify: Mic Check," - a series aiming to connect fans with the world's renowned creators through exclusive discussions.

During the interview, Sunmi tackled her career, starting from the time she auditioned for JYP Entertainment until she became a solo artist.

While many K-pop trainees try out for various entertainment companies mainly because of their passion for music or dance and their dream to become a K-pop idol, this wasn't the case for the former Wonder Girls member. She may be a naturally talented person and is meant to become a star, but Sunmi's sole reason for auditioning for JYP Entertainment was to help her family overcome a difficult time.

ALSO READ: Sunmi Looks Back on Her 16-Year Journey as Singer

Sunmi was living with her father and younger brothers during her childhood days. When she was 12, they found out that her father had lung cancer and so he was admitted to the hospital.

Her dad was the primary provider for the family, meaning there was no other person who could help them financially. So, the "Gashina" singer thought that she had to do something.

She told "Spotify: Mic Check":

"We had no one who could work to earn money. I have two younger brothers. Before everything else, they are the most valuable ones in my life. So, I thought I had to protect them even at a young age."

The people who knew Sunmi suggested that she become a teacher. However, she knew that becoming a teacher requires several years of study; hence, she thought of another plan.

READ MORE: Sunmi Reveals She Preferred to Sign with SM Entertainment Rather than JYP Entertainment before Debut

Luckily, JYP Entertainment announced at the time that they will hold auditions for their girl group. Sunmi shared:

"When I was 13, I took the bus to Seoul by myself and traveled for nearly five hours just so I can audition for JYP. Fortunately, I passed the audition."

The female soloist further shared that she started living in Seoul after she was accepted to become a trainee. This means her younger brothers were the ones left to take care of their sick father.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Former Wonder Girls Sunye Apologizes to Sunmi During Emotional Talk on 'Mom Is An Idol'

Sunmi trained only for only a year under JYP and debuted as a member of Wonder Girls in 2007. Sadly, her father passed away three months before she became a K-pop idol.

At present, Sunmi is one of the top solo artists in the K-pop industry. She is well-known for her several hits like "Gashina," "Siren," "Heroine," and more.

Sunmi Drops New Single 'Oh Sorry Ya' in Commemoration of International Women's Day

In other news, Sunmi collaborated with EQUAL X Spotify Singles to release a new song.

On March 8, the K-pop soloist unveiled her new single titled "Oh Sorry Ya," which is available exclusively through Spotify. The song is released as a part of the EQUAL X Spotify Singles project, which aims to encourage female artists, in celebration of International Women's Day.

Sunmi took part in the production of "Oh Sorry Ya" as a co-producer together with Los Angeles-based songwriting duo LYRE.

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Written by Mhaliya Scott