Not all K-pop idols today quickly began their career in the music industry, as some of them had regular jobs before they joined a company and started training to become an artist. Check out our list below.
8 K-pop Idols Who Had Regular Jobs Prior to Debut
Former SISTAR Soyou
Before her debut as a SISTAR member, Soyou worked at a beauty salon and saved up her own allowance. She was a licensed hairdresser at the salon she was working in. Even after SISTAR disbanded, Soyou is still very fond of that job.
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VIXX Leo
Leo was an athlete prior to debuting as a K-pop idol. He was a contestant in various sports, such as swimming, taekwondo, boxing, and soccer. In fact, he was a member of the National Youth Soccer Players.
Kang Daniel
Kang Daniel is another K-pop idol who had a non-entertainment job before his debut- and his work may surprise many fans. He was a construction worker at the age of 15. The idol himself revealed this to Interview magazine. Kang Daniel also mentioned during the interview that he worked at a café when he was 17 years old, and that the owner of the café was a nice person who treated him well.
PENTAGON Shinwon, Jinho
Shinwon was scouted around the age of 18 or 19 while he was working at EXO's pop-up cafe during the group's "Wolf" promotions. He also used to be a model. Considering he has amazing visuals and tall height, it's no surprise he fits as a model.
READ MORE: 6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities
About Jinho, he worked as a vocal coach after leaving SM Entertainment in 2015 when he was 23 years old. The academy he was working in encouraged him to audition for CUBE Entertainment. Even at present, he still acts as a vocal coach. It is said that he even helped train (G)I-DLE and currently works with the label's trainees.
Former AOA Choa
After failing an audition for an agency, former AOA member Choa was promoted to saleswoman of IPTV bundled products. She recorded good sales, even achieving the highest out of all the employees. Using her salary of 5 million KRW (almost $3,715 USD), she trained and practiced as she aimed to audition once more to become a member of a girl group.
INFINITE Sunggyu
Finally, INFINITE Sunggyu worked as a barista after leaving his home to earn money for himself. He left home to chase his dream of becoming a singer despite his parents being against it. While he was working, he met the manager of indie rock band NELL who then told him to audition for Woollim Entertainment. It was the time he was trying to get autographs from the band.
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Former Crayon Pop Gummi
Former Crayon Pop member Gummi also had a regular job before her debut, and it's actually an interesting one. She initially worked as a nurse at a dermatology hospital. She was particularly a hair follicle specialist.
Do you know other K-pop idols who had regular jobs prior to their debut? Name them in the comment box below!
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Written by Maria Scott
