K-pop idols who almost didn’t debut at all, from BTS’ Jimin and Twice’s Tzuyu and Momo, to Red Velvet’s Seulgi, Super Junior’s Heechul and Got7’s BamBam
- Red Velvet’s Seulgi endured a gruelling seven years as a trainee before being picked for Red Velvet – and almost gave up in the meantime
- BamBam was originally thought to be too young for Got7, while Super Junior’s Heechul was kicked out of SM Entertainment because of his attitude
Could you ever imagine BTS without Jimin? What about Twice without Momo? You may be shocked to learn that these members almost did not debut with their groups at all.
The K-pop industry is a competitive one to say the least, and would-be idols aren’t guaranteed a spot in the final group line-up despite years of training. The decision behind an idol’s debut ultimately lies with the entertainment agency, and many world-famous stars were once at risk of being removed from the equation altogether.
Here are some K-pop stars who almost didn’t make the cut …
BTS’ Jimin
Despite being a dance graduate of the prestigious Busan Arts High School, Jimin of BTS almost didn’t debut. In an appearance on JTBC’s Please Take Care of My Refrigerator, Jimin revealed that the group’s agency, Big Hit Entertainment, frequently questioned whether he was a good fit.
The reason? Jimin’s expertise is in modern dance, which is completely different from the type of dancing that’s usually required for idols to succeed. But he was eventually able to prove himself to the agency and debuted with the other six members as a main dancer.
Twice’s Tzuyu and Momo
