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Kpop Audition Information

Getting Ready for the 2026 K‑pop Auditions

— A simple Big‑4 prep playbook (SM · YG · JYP · HYBE)
By Starbank Daeppang Team — October 12, 2025

Quick idea: 2026 auditions reward clear skills, respectful attitude, and short proof videos (30–60s). Below is exactly what to do—company by company—and a 6‑week plan you can start today.

0) Use only official pages (no “agents,” no DMs)

  • SM: official email/online portal and global audition page. (audition.smtown.com)
  • YG: ongoing/monthly auditions via the official site. (YG Audition)
  • JYP: renewed official audition website (online + center notices). (jype.com)
  • HYBE (family labels): posts by each label/project (e.g., BELIFT LAB, HYBE America). (beliftlab.com)

1) SM Entertainment — “Clean basics + tidy presentation”

What SM actually asks for (high level): Online form supports Vocal / Dance / Rap / Visual / Multi. The site also shows email and file rules; if you email, audio formats are limited, but the online form accepts standard video (e.g., MP4). Follow the posted file limits and naming. (audition.smtown.com)

Your 60‑second plan

  • Vocal: one chorus, steady pitch, end with a clean breath + 2‑beat hold.
  • Dance: show full body; finish each phrase with a clear line (pose).
  • Rap: conversational speed first, then one quicker 4‑bar push.
  • Visual/Multi: 20s talk (hello + goal), 20s walk/pose, 20s rhythm test.

Submit like a pro

  • Film in a plain room; neutral clothes; bright front light.
  • If using the online portal: keep each file under the posted size (e.g., 100MB) and use accepted formats. If emailing: follow SM’s listed audio/photo rules exactly. (audition.smtown.com)

2) YG Entertainment — “One lane, raw skill, strong groove”

What YG posts publicly: Ongoing/monthly auditions with Vocal / Rap / Dance, all genders, and no age cap listed on the ongoing page (apply once each monthly period). Monthly notices have used Zoom with KR/EN/JP/CN supported; vocal/rap a cappella, dance with music, usually ~1 minute. Always check the latest notice. (YG Audition)

Your 60‑second plan

  • Pick ONE lane and go all in.
  • Vocal/Rap: a cappella; steady time (clap in), clean diction, no reverb.
  • Dance: show bounce and musicality before tricks; land right on the downbeat.

Submit like a pro

  • Test Zoom camera/mic; bright, quiet space; full body for dance.
  • If you auditioned this month, note any cooldown rules on the notice page. (YG Audition)

3) JYP Entertainment — “Sincere vibe + solid fundamentals”

What JYP says now: The official audition site was renewed in 2025 and hosts online submissions plus frequent center‑audition notices. Categories and instructions are on that site—use it (not third‑party forms). (jype.com)

Your 60‑second plan

  • Vocal: pick a key you can own; let the lyric breathe.
  • Dance: show rhythm control (simple choreo is fine if timing is clean).
  • Rap/Other lanes: choose clarity over speed; tell one short story line.

Submit like a pro

  • Start your clip with your name/age/city/languages in one calm sentence.
  • Keep edits minimal—JYP values honest, readable performance. (Confirm current category rules on the site before you upload.) (jype.com)

4) HYBE (family labels) — “Performance + self‑driven creativity”

What to watch: HYBE runs label‑specific rounds. Two good examples:

  • BELIFT LAB (2025 boy group)—public audition hub with global messaging and an “Apply” link pointing to the HYBE audition subdomain. (beliftlab.com)
  • HYBE America—periodic offline city auditions with pre‑registration. (They list locations/dates and stress pre‑registering.) (hybeamerica-audition.com)

Your 60‑second plan

  • Performance lane (vocal/rap/dance) + tiny creator proof (8–16 bars of a beat/topline or an arranging idea).
  • Film both in one take or two labeled takes.

Submit like a pro

  • Read the exact window, city list, and file rules on the posting you’re applying to; HYBE routes differ by label/project. (hybeamerica-audition.com)

5) Your 2026 Audition Starter Pack (make one folder)

  • Intro (30–45s): name, age, city, lanes, 1‑line goal.
  • Vocal (60s): chorus + clean outro breath.
  • Dance (60s): full body in frame; single take.
  • Rap (30–45s): your story; natural pace.
  • Creator clip (15–30s): short beat/topline or instrument.
  • 1‑page profile (PDF): stats, training, socials, contact (guardian if under 18).
  • Proof Journal (screenshot): one sentence of progress per day.

File names: Name_Country_Label_Lane_YYYY-MM-DD.mp4
Example: Ari_India_YG_Vocal_2025-10-12.mp4

6) Six‑Week Countdown Plan (start any Monday)

Weeks 1–2: Build basics

  • Daily 30: 10m breathing/clear words → 10m groove/isolations → 10m lyric intention.
  • Post 2 short clips/week (one skill, one personality).

Weeks 3–4: Label targeting

  • Pick one label focus; tailor song/choreo to their vibe.
  • Record mock audition each weekend; keep only your best 1 take.

Weeks 5–6: Submission‑ready

  • Shoot final 60‑second clips (quiet room, bright face‑light, full body for dance).
  • Do a tech check against the label’s posted rules (formats, file sizes, naming) and upload via the official portals. (audition.smtown.com)

7) Safety & respect (important, especially for minors)

  • Only apply through official sites listed above—never pay “guarantee” fees or use random DMs. (HYBE America even warns they only use @hybecorp.com and the official site.) (hybeamerica-audition.com)
  • If you’re under 19 (Korean civil age): a legal guardian’s consent is usually required for contracts under Korean law (Civil Act Article 5). Plan with your parent/guardian early. (eLaw)

8) Tiny habits that win auditions

  • One lane first. Add a second only if it’s clean. (Especially for YG.) (YG Audition)
  • Film simply. Plain background, steady phone, bright light, no heavy filters. (SM/JYP sites stress clarity and clean files.) (audition.smtown.com)
  • Be polite & on time. Say a short greeting (KR or EN), thank the staff, and exit cleanly.

9) Quick checklist (copy/paste)

  • I chose one main lane (Vocal/Rap/Dance).
  • I filmed 60s clips in good light with stable audio.
  • I named files clearly and kept them under the posted size. (audition.smtown.com)
  • I read the latest notice for my target label this month. (YG Audition)
  • If under 18, I prepared guardian consent info. (eLaw)

Final word from Starbank Daeppang Team

You don’t need perfect gear or a fancy studio. You need one honest minute that shows skill, rhythm, and respect. Pick your label, film your best 60 seconds, and apply through the official page. We’re cheering for you—every practice, every take.

— Starbank Daeppang Team

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