Where Are The JYP Trainees Who Didn't Debut With ITZY?
The debut of ITZY in February 2019 marked a pivotal moment in JYP Entertainment's history, introducing fans to a fresh and vibrant group of performers. However, not all trainees from the same training period secured a spot in the group. This article explores the various paths taken by these trainees, highlighting their experiences and outcomes.
Continued Training
Many of the trainees who weren't chosen for the ITZY debut remained with JYP Entertainment. They continued their rigorous training, hoping to eventually secure a place in one of JYP's other groups. Interestingly, some of these trainees have since found success, debuting in other JYP projects or groups. For instance, Somi, who was initially scheduled to debut with ITZY, decided to leave the company after NMIXX's LilY was set to debut. However, Somi later joined NMIXX, a group that has gained significant popularity in recent years.
Debut in Other Groups
Several trainees who did not debut with ITZY later found success in other K-pop groups. One such example is Ryujin, who joined Kep1er after competing on Girls Planet 999. Kep1er, a group established in 2021, has been receiving praise for their debut performance, solidifying their position in the K-pop industry. Yeji, another member, also joined Kep1er, demonstrating the growing momentum and success of female K-pop groups.
Leaving JYP Entertainment
A number of trainees chose to leave JYP Entertainment altogether. These decisions can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as seeking opportunities in other entertainment companies or shifting their focus to non-idol careers. For example, Yejin, one of the trainees who was not part of the first ITZY lineup, briefly joined THEBLACKLABEL but soon left to pursue a career in acting. This move reflects the diverse career paths available to former trainees.
Solo Careers
While pursuing a solo career is less common among former trainees, a few have taken the plunge. Sumin, one of the less-known trainees from the ITZY training batch, left JYP after not passing the MIXNINE auditions. Despite the challenges, some former trainees have focused on developing their individual talents, leading to successful solo careers in music or other entertainment fields.
Involvement in the Industry
Some former trainees have found alternative ways to remain active in the entertainment industry. For instance, many have ventured into acting, modeling, or participating in variety shows. These roles offer a way to stay connected to the entertainment sector, even without a formal group debut.
The specific paths taken by individual trainees can vary widely, and not all information is publicly available. If you have a particular trainee in mind, I can provide more detailed information if it is available!