Do Foreign Non-Asian Trainees at JYP Entertainment Go to School?
In the vibrant world of K-pop, trainees at JYP Entertainment, a leading South Korean entertainment company, often receive extensive training to become idols. This training includes not only performance and dance skills but also, surprisingly, educational components. Let's explore whether non-Asian foreign trainees at JYP Entertainment go to school.
The Educational Background of Trainees
Not all trainees at JYP Entertainment have completed high school. Some notable examples include Mina, Han, Stray Kids (Felix and Tzuyu), Twice, and others who did not finish their formal education.
For foreign trainees, it is customary for them to attend an international school where lessons are primarily conducted in English. These schools offer a more focused and shorter curriculum, with a primary goal of becoming an idol rather than excelling in specific academic subjects such as mathematics.
School Options for Foreign Trainees
International schools are a common choice for foreign trainees at JYP Entertainment. For native Korean trainees, there are specialized art schools such as SOPA and Hanlim Arts School, which are conveniently located near the JYP building. Lia from ITZY, Hyunjin and Jeongin from Stray Kids, and Ryujin, Yuna, Yeji, and Chaeryeong from TWICE attended SOPA and Hanlim Arts School, respectively.
For non-Asian foreign trainees, JYP Entertainment often provides on-site classes within their office premises or organizes online classes to facilitate their education. For instance, Tzuyu from Twice, who is Taiwanese, attended Hamlim Arts School, demonstrating a flexible approach by the company to cater to diverse backgrounds.
The Role of Education in the K-pop Industry
Most K-pop companies consider education as an important aspect of training. However, the primary focus is on career development rather than pursuing higher education. It is common for idols to complete their high school education but not to continue to university, as they are dedicated to their careers.
Some trainees attend KENT Foreign School, located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. This provides a seamless transition for their training and education.
Furthermore, trainees often have lessons focused on languages and culture to help them adapt to the Korean environment and the world of K-pop. This ensures that they are well-prepared to communicate and interact with both their agency and fans effectively.
Conclusion
Educational components, though not always mandatory, play a significant role in the training of K-pop trainees, especially for foreign non-Asian trainees at JYP Entertainment. These schools and training programs help in their personal and professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to become successful idols.