K-pop hopefuls in Southeast Asia will soon have a chance to train and possibly become idols. SM Entertainment is set to open a training academy in Singapore this year.
The new facility, SM Universe (Singapore), will be overseen by the same agency behind the powerhouse global sensations Girls' Generation, NCT, and Aespa. The training academy will be located at *SCAPE, a youth-centric hub at Orchard Link. It will mark SM Entertainment's first foray into K-pop training in Southeast Asia, a region that has seen a 423% increase in K-pop streaming on Spotify from 2018 to 2023.
How Much Will Training Cost?
SM Entertainment's academy is offering a 21-week intensive training program for approximately $10,000 and will cover every aspect of idol training, including dance, music production, stage presence, and vocals. While the price tag is steep, the academy plans to provide scholarships to high-potential students, potentially covering the entire $10,000 fee.
The 21-week training program will culminate in a week-long training session at SM Universe's main campus in Seoul. During this session, top-performing students will have the chance to audition for major South Korean entertainment agencies.
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Are There Any Limitations?
Enrollment for the first batch will be limited to 50 students. All admissions will be determined through an online audition process. While there are no strict age limits, the academy expects most students to be between 13 and 18 years old.
The academy will also admit students who may not be able to commit to the full 21-week program. SM Universe (Singapore) offers shorter courses that focus on specific skills, such as vocal or dance techniques. Those courses last one to four weeks.
The Singapore campus will open in June. Unlike Seoul's academy, it offers training designed like an after-school curriculum instead of replacing formal education.
