The Journey of Trainees at Big Hit Entertainment Before BTS's Formation
The story of The Boy With No Nameone of the most iconic K-pop boy groupsbegins long before their debut. BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) was formed by the talented trainees who were handpicked by Big Hit Entertainment. This article delves into the journey of trainees before BTS's formation, focusing on the stories of Rap Monster (RM), Jungkook, V (Kim Taehyung), Suga (Min Yoongi), Jin (Kim Seokjin), Jimin (Park Jimin), and J-Hope (Jung Hoseok).
Discovering RM
RM (Rap Monster) began his rapping journey in 2007 while he was in middle school. Under the name Runch Randa, he joined the rap crew Daenamhyup, a group that boasted other notable rappers such as KIDOH, Supreme Boi, and Iron (a Show Me the Money 3 finalist). RM's rapping talent caught the attention of Sleepy, a judge for Untouchable, through this audition. Bang Shi Hyuk, another producer, became excited about RM's potential and invited him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment. RM then joined Big Hit Entertainment in 2010, marking the beginning of his journey as a future member of BTS.
Jungkook's Path to Success
Jungkook, whose hometown is Busan, was initially eliminated in the audition round. However, his exposure through the Show Me the Money program caught the attention of multiple agencies, including JYP Entertainment, FNC Entertainment, and Starship Entertainment. Despite several offers, Jungkook chose Big Hit Entertainment. His choice was heavily influenced by his admiration for RM, whom he met through the audition process. This decision led to Jungkook becoming a trainee, further highlighting the interconnected journey that led to the formation of BTS.
V's Early Beginnings
V (Kim Taehyung) from Daegu had a passion for music that began in high school. After receiving encouragement to audition from a Big Hit Entertainment team member, V called his father for permission and auditioned on the spot. This opportunity ultimately led to V joining Big Hit Entertainment. As a multi-talented member, V excelled not only as a rapper but also as a vocalist, contributing significantly to BTS's music.
Suga's Rise to Fame
Suga (Min Yoongi) was already a recognized rapper and producer by the time he joined Big Hit Entertainment. His participation in the rap competition "Hit It" through a flyer posted in his hometown of Daegu led to a second-place finish. This result was enough for Big Hit Entertainment to sign Suga both as a producer and a trainee. Although he initially intended to focus on production, Suga's talent and perseverance convinced Big Hit Entertainment, and eventually him, to join BTS.
Stage of Jin
Jin (Kim Seokjin) was the fourth member of BTS and initially pursued a career in acting while studying at the Busan High School of Arts. A scout from Big Hit Entertainment discovered Jin during his visits to the school. Despite his lack of experience in singing or dancing, Big Hit Entertainment had other plans. They encouraged Jin to become a trainee for BTS. Jin's journey, while unique, played a vital role in the formation of the group.
Jimin's Journey
Jimin (Park Jimin) started his dance career while studying dance at the Busan High School of Arts. A dance teacher recognized Jimin's talent and encouraged him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment. Jimin's talent shone through the audition, and he was taken to Seoul for further training. As the last member to join, Jimin had the shortest training period, but his unique style and energy remained a significant factor in BTS's success.
From Dancers to Rappers: J-Hope's Transformation
J-Hope (Jung Hoseok) was known as a dancer from his early days in the dance crew Neuron in Gwangju. After initial success at JYP Entertainment, J-Hope was eventually cut. Instead, he chose to audition for Big Hit Entertainment, where his dance skills and rhythm were recognized as potential rapping abilities. J-Hope's journey almost didn't result in his debut with BTS. However, RM's determination to keep him in the group led to his successful integration as one of BTS's three rappers.
The careers of these young artists who joined Big Hit Entertainment reveal the meticulous and diverse process through which a K-pop sensation like BTS is formed. From rappers to dancers, these individuals brought their unique talents to the table, ultimately shaping one of the most successful groups in K-pop history.