HARD ROAD TO STARDOM
There's no shortage of Japanese hopefuls willing to train under talent agencies' watchful eye, some having left successful careers back home in search of K-pop fame.
"I’ve heard stories about no free time or not being able to do what I want. But, I think all of K-pop stars who are now performing have gone down the same road," said Nao Niitsu, a 19-year-old college freshman from Tokyo.
During a visit to Seoul paid for by her mother, herself a die-hard BTS fan, Niitsu auditioned for 10 agencies and was accepted by five.
Debut is elusive, unlike in Japan where it is easier for idols to get a start and then can hone their skills and work on their appeal with the fans.
Miyu Takeuchi said it wasn't a difficult decision to leave a 10-year career with a top idol band AKB48 back home in Japan to sign with the K-pop agency Mystic Entertainment in March as a trainee.
Even with her experience, she has seven hours of vocal training a day and two-hour dance lessons twice a week, plus early morning Korean lessons.
She is not allowed to have a boyfriend but she says she has no regrets, despite the fact there is no guarantee she will make it.
"I don't know how long my training period will be, but it has to reach a point where my coaches and management company say 'Miyu, you are a professional!'"
