As the internet gets flooded with nostalgia, a new trend has taken over social media in 2026: idols and celebrities posting throwback photos from 2016, giving fans a glimpse into their pre-debut and teen years.
But while many were able to dig up old selfies and casual snapshots, Kep1er’s Chaehyun revealed she couldn’t participate and the reason instantly caught the attention of many K-Pop fans.
Chaehyun, who was previously a trainee under SM Entertainment, shared that she simply doesn’t have any photos from that era. Back in the day, SM Entertainment strictly banned trainees from taking selfies or personal photos.
Fan: “Unnie, can you upload a pic from 2016? It’s a trend recently…”
Chaehyun: “Back then…we were banned from stuff like selfies… I wanted to follow the trend so I tried looking, but there weren’t any. I’ll try to look for one that I might’ve taken secretly. Wouldn’t there be at least one?”
The rule may have been enforced to control image leaks, and keep trainees focused entirely on training. Trainees famously did not have public social media accounts back then.
Fans found it a huge pity. Other idols from a similar training generation also barely had any selfies from their trainee days.
no wonder we cant see ningning, winter, and karina 2016 trainee/pre-debut photos bc they were BANNED😭 https://t.co/qmR9QRwiPt
— anni (@gigisaeri) January 25, 2026
Of course, SM Entertainment’s strict private system helped keep their debut teams under wraps.
They were so serious about keeping their "secret" (non- smrg) trainees a secret 😭 https://t.co/Ra7kDGr3IJ
— selle ♡ (@luvchaehyvn) January 25, 2026
Chaehyun may not have 2016 selfies to share, but fans agree her story does captures a very specific era of K-Pop trainee life — one defined by strict rules, limited freedom, and zero selfies.
