Preparing for K-Pop Online Auditions: Common Mistakes, Countermeasures, and Preparation Methods for Overseas Aspirants
Preparing for K-Pop Online Auditions
There are common mistakes made by many aspirants around the world preparing for online auditions to become K-Pop stars, especially those from various countries such as the US, Indonesia, India, Brazil, and Nepal, during the audition process. If you know these mistakes in advance and prepare thoroughly, you can increase your chances of success!
Common Mistakes
1) Poor video and audio quality
If the video is low quality or the audio is unclear, it is difficult for the judges to properly evaluate your skills.
In particular, dance moves are often blurred or your voice echoes when you sing.
2) Submitting a video that does not meet the application form
Some participants submit videos without following the time, format, or file name format required by the company.
For example, they often ignore the request to ‘introduce yourself in about 30 seconds’ and make long videos.
3) Excessive makeup or inappropriate attire
In K-Pop auditions, it is important to show your natural appearance. Excessive makeup or dressing up like a K-pop idol can result in a negative score.
The judges are looking for ‘potential’, so your natural appearance is important.
4) Lack of breathing while singing and dancing at the same time
There are many cases where you cannot properly express both because your breathing is out of sync when dancing and singing at the same time.
5) Korean pronunciation issues
When overseas applicants sing in Korean, their pronunciation is often inaccurate, making it difficult to convey the lyrics.
Countermeasures for mistakes
1) Improve video and audio quality
Use a high-definition camera or the latest smartphone model, and make good use of lighting to clearly show your face and body.
Record a clear voice using a microphone or smartphone’s built-in recording function, and film in a place where noise can be reduced.
2) Comply with the application form
Before submitting, be sure to check the video length, file format (MP4, MOV, etc.), and file name required by the company.
Videos that do not meet the requirements may be excluded from the review.
3) Appropriate clothing and makeup
We recommend simple and neat clothing such as a neat T-shirt and pants.
Minimize makeup and emphasize your natural appearance. Overly flashy styling can actually decrease your score.
4) Breathing practice
Breathing control is very important when dancing and singing at the same time.
Develop the ability to control your breathing by practicing singing and dancing for about 10 to 15 minutes every day.
5) Improving Korean pronunciation
If you choose a song to sing in Korean, practice the lyrics repeatedly and correct them by imitating the pronunciation of a native speaker.
Record yourself singing and listen to it to check if your pronunciation is natural.
How to prepare
1) Choose a song and choreography that suits you
Choose the vocal range and dance style that you are best at.
If you are confident in your vocals, we recommend a ballad song that expresses your emotions well, and if you are confident in your dancing, we recommend an energetic dance song.
2) Prepare a self-introduction video
Prepare a self-introduction video of about 30 seconds with a bright and confident expression.
After a brief greeting in Korean, explaining yourself in English can also make a good impression.
3) Understand the characteristics of each audition company
Understand the style and preferred talent type of each agency such as SM, JYP, YG, and HYBE and prepare accordingly.
For example, JYP values bright and positive energy, while YG values unique individuality.
4) Get consistent feedback
Get feedback from friends or teachers around you to improve your shortcomings.
If possible, getting lessons from a professional trainer will also be of great help.
5) Mental management
You may feel stressed and pressured during the audition preparation process. In such cases, it is important to maintain psychological stability through appropriate rest and hobby activities.
Practice consistently with the mindset that “hard work never betrays.”
Recommended Preparation Schedule
First week: Choose a song and choreography, make a draft of your self-introduction video
Second week: Practice singing and dancing at the same time, practice breathing control
Third week: Complete your self-introduction video, get feedback from friends or trainers
Fourth week: Film the final video and review before submission
Conclusion: Consistent practice and confidence are important. K-pop auditions are a challenging process for everyone. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and if you improve your shortcomings one by one, you will definitely get good results. When you are tired and struggling, remember that K-pop stars have gone through similar processes, and don’t give up until the end.
