Shotaro's Journey from NCTzen to K-Pop Idol
NCT's Shotaro's transformation from an enthusiastic fan to a full-fledged member in just a year is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Here's how this talent made his way into the NCT family.
A Childhood Enriched with Dance
Osaki Shotaro, born on November 25, 2000, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, didn't enter the world alone; he was his parents' first child. However, he was to receive a new bundle of joy in the form of a younger brother and sister. From a young age, Shotaro showed a natural inclination towards dancing, much like his mother who was an avid dancer herself. This passion for dance led his parents to enroll him in EXPG Studio, a renowned dance training school in Tokyo, at the tender age of five.
Training Ground of Future Stars
EXPG Studio is where the talents of Japan's most famous performers, including the I-LAND runner-up K, were honed. Shotaro, with his raw talent and intensive training, quickly rose to the top of his class. Before he was even a teenager, he became a backup dancer for the 19-member Japanese boy band EXILE, showcasing his skills on some of the biggest stages in the world.
A Leap of Faith
It wasn't until the age of 18 that Shotaro's dream of becoming a K-Pop idol became a reality. This dream was sparked when he, as an NCTzen, watched NCT 127's NEO CITY – The Origin tour in Saitama. In a fansign, he revealed that he had seen the NCT 127 members performing and immediately felt the desire to be a singer like them. However, little did he know that he was about to become one of the few fans to turn that dream into a reality.
From NCTzen to NCT Member
In November 2019, at the age of 19, Shotaro was contacted by SM Entertainment. Although many assume he was scouted due to his TikTok performances, the truth is somewhat more nuanced. According to reports, Shotaro's dance teacher at EXPG Studio had connections in the K-Pop industry. After witnessing Shotaro's exceptional skills, the teacher recommended him to SM Entertainment's casting agents, and he was subsequently asked to audition. Shotaro sent a dance video to SM Entertainment to secure his place. Meanwhile, he joined the 20th Anniversary KHAOS Tour by GACKT as a backup dancer, performing in 20 shows over two months. His dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.
A Smooth Transition
On March 2020, the wait was finally over. SM Entertainment accepted Shotaro as a trainee and in September, he was formally introduced as a member of NCT. This transition was remarkably swift, given the time he spent joining and learning the language. Shotaro revealed that he had only started learning Korean in March when he knew he had to prepare to move to South Korea.
The Making of an Idol
Shotaro's journey to becoming a K-Pop idol was marked by talent, dedication, and a bit of luck. From his impressive dancing skills to his newly acquired Korean language skills, it seems that nothing can stand in the way of his dreams. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.