YG Entertainment is set to hold auditions for aspiring K-pop idols in Manila. Images: Facebook/YG Audition, Twitter/@BLACKPINK
YG Entertainment, home of hitmakers Blackpink, has announced that it will hold auditions for aspiring K-pop idols in Manila in April — however, it is only open to anyone born between 2004 to 2012.
The South Korean music label announced its global auditions on its official Facebook page, saying it would take place at the Zero Studio in Quezon City on April 16. Meanwhile, a pre-application period will be held from March 7 to April 9.
According to the label, aspiring K-pop idols can only try out for one category, including “vocal, rap, dance, and appearance.”
Dance applicants must perform using “one song within a minute with music,” but they should bring their “own music in a cellphone.” On the other hand, rap and vocal aspirants are required to show off their skills using “one song within a minute without music.”
LOOK: South Korean music label YG Entertainment announced that it’s holding a global audition for aspiring K-pop idols in the Philippines. | 📸: YG Audition/Facebook via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/G8CClHIgDm
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 7, 2023
While K-pop fans expressed their excitement for YG’s auditions in the Philippines on social media, many fans have mixed thoughts about the label’s age requirement for aspiring K-pop idols.
Based on the label’s requirement, only individuals who are 12 years old and who are turning 19 years old this year would be accepted.
Human rights advocate Philip Jamilla hoped that the label would allow applicants born in the 1990s.
Paano po kaming 199x liners pic.twitter.com/cXy7ZRmve2 https://t.co/vStzhfmQ0A
— Philip Jamilla (@pmjamilla) March 7, 2023
One @prhyngs expressed concern over the company accepting 12-year-old applicants.
bat 2012 beh those are 11 year olds pls https://t.co/ovDa55yzW5
— glaisa ⭕ (@prhyngs) March 7, 2023
Another Jinzyl Lucero Gordon said they “can sing and dance,” but they’re born in 2001.
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net
Facebook user Sophia Ysabel asked if the agency is willing to adjust their age requirements.
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net
One Heidy Salvador said in jest that she’s the “fifth member” of Blackpink, but she’s too old to try out for the label. “Sinayang niyo ako, YG,” she said in jest. (You wasted my potential, YG.)
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net
On the other hand, one @iamjaysooon is confused about the label’s visual requirement. “Ganda lang ambag mo?” they said. (You have nothing except your beauty?)
di ko talaga gets yung visual/appearance like would you want that as an artist??? ganda lang ambag mo??? https://t.co/3rmueqTZAg
— jisun 🌸 (@iamjaysooon) March 7, 2023
Some Korean artists with Filipino blood include Lapillus’ Chanty, soloist Kriesha Chu, rapper DOK2, and Cignature’s Belle.
Aside from Blackpink, YG Entertainment is best known for managing the careers of K-pop groups Treasure, BigBang, Winner, AKMU or Akdong Musician, and pre-debut group BabyMonster. It is also home to South Korean actors Jang Ki-yong of “Confession Couple,” Lee Sung-kyung of “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo,” and Son Na-eun, a former member of K-pop girl group Apink.
Among its former acts include 2NE1 where “Star Circle Quest” alum Sandara Park was the group’s visual and vocalist, and iKON. EDV