K-Pop Idol Trainer Predicts That South Korea’s Record Low Birth Rates Will Affect The Future Of K-Pop
South Korea’s low birth rate has been a well-known fact for awhile now, as the nation continues to struggle with its low population. And while the country has been offering incentives for its citizens to have children, it seems that wasn’t enough to see an increase in the alarmingly low rate.
According to an updated data report regarding South Korea’s birth rate—which is the lowest in the world—the nation has fallen under 300,000 for the first time in the nation’s history.
With such startling numbers, there have been many concerns regarding the future of South Korea. K-Pop, which is a huge part of the Korean culture, naturally came up into the discussion and one person decided to tackle this subject in particular.
In Ji Woong, who is a K-Pop idol trainer, dance trainer, and a choreographer recently took the time to discuss what the nation’s low birth rate means for the future of K-Pop. He revealed that as a K-Pop idol trainer, the current situation of agencies nationwide has been grim.
It’s been difficult to find potential trainees these days.
— In Ji Woong
He continued that even the Big 3 companies (SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment) are struggling with this issue.
Even the big 3 companies are having a hard time trying to find good candidates.
Potential trainees are usually scouted around 12-13 years old. This means, if we want to find 13-year-olds now, we have to look for kids who were born around 2010. However, there are no kids in this age range anymore.
— In Ji Woong
As a seasoned trainer, In Ji Woong detailed his concerns with his YouTube viewers, as he shared exactly how difficult things have been for the industry.
The current idols who are maintaining the K-Pop wave were mostly born in the 90’s. However, following 2005, it’s become increasingly difficult to find kids to train. Trying to find a decent potential trainee has become the hardest thing to do.
It’s even difficult for the Big 3 companies to find trainees, so imagine how hard it must be for the small agencies who are trying to find kids as well.
— In Ji Woong
If what In Ji Woong’s saying is true, it will only be a matter of time before the K-Pop industry slowly diminishes—if the shortage of trainees continue.
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