Amid claims that singer Yoon Sang "made it easy" for Anton to enter SM Entertainment and debut as RIIZE, the star clarified rumors by revealing an anecdote about how he became a K-pop idol.
On January 17, veteran singer, composer and producer Yoon Sang appeared on tvN's "Yoo Quiz on the Block," along with his idol son Anton and co-members in RIIZE.
In this family special episode, the father-son tandem revealed stories about what led Anton to follow Yoon Sang in the music industry and how the latter reacted to this. They also clarified issues circulating regarding the K-pop idol's debut.
RIIZE Anton Reveals How He Transitioned from Being Swimmer Athlete to K-pop Idol
On this day, MC Yoo Jae Seok raised the topic of Anton pursuing his dream of becoming an idol after leaving his swimming career he had for 10 years.
When asked if Yoon Sang even imagined being a dad to an idol, the veteran singer honestly answered:
"I never imagined it. It's true that he had always loved music since he was young, but isn't being an idol a completely different path from swimming? He (originally) swam for about 10 years. As a result, he got quite good grades among his peers (in the U.S)."
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Hearing this, Anton confessed that swimming had never been his dream and he only pursued it to get into a good school. In fact, it has always been singing.
"I continued playing piano and cello while swimming, and I became interested in composing when I entered middle and high school."
He added:
"Actually, I started dreaming of becoming a singer on my own even before that, but I knew what my dad and mom wanted, so at first, I just wanted to try it. It was so hard to talk about it at first."
RIIZE Anton Clarifies Rumor He Got Into SM Thanks to His Father Yoon Sang
After quitting swimming, Anton became a trainee under SM Entertainment and after training for allegedly two years, he debuted in RIIZE at the age of 19.
When his background was publicized, he immediately garnered negative reactions that it was most likely because of his dad that he entered SM and was able to debut in the boy group.
He eventually overcame these suspicions after flaunting his impressive singing, dancing, composing and producing skills.
However, ridiculous claims are still hunting him such as the earlier incident where he was called a "NEPO BABY," a person who became successful or has gotten a job, honor, and title due to their parent's halo.
As a response, Anton wittily replied:
"Born this way by Lady Gaga."
찬영이 sm 오디션 직접 보고 들어온건데 (ㅈㄴ기특)
— 콜제 (@coldzerolee) January 17, 2024
윤버지가 꽂아준 거 아니냐는 얘기 들을때마다
사람들이 세상을 잘 모르는구나 싶대 pic.twitter.com/L5lyi1s2TL
Regarding this matter, Anton clarified that he didn't enter with the help of his dad, but he actually applied directly to SM Entertainment. Meaning, that he wasn't cast, rather he joined the screening, auditioned and passed.
In fact, it was even harder to convince his dad since Yoon Sang was originally against Anton becoming a K-pop idol.
Yoon Sang also reacted to the rumor, saying:
"When I hear such things, I thought people didn't know the world very well. Also, it's not like he didn't have such an offer at an early age."
READ MORE: RIIZE Anton Shuts Down 'Nepo Baby' Haters — 'He’s so savage for...'
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
