SINGAPORE: Want to be a K-pop star? Come June, K-pop giant SM Entertainment’s subsidiary training academy SM Universe will launch South-East Asia’s first K-pop training academy in Singapore.
The Singapore campus of SM Universe will set up at *Scape, a youth hangout at Orchard Link that is undergoing a revamp and is partially open for use.
The academy’s flagship programme features an intensive 21-week training schedule that focuses on developing and cultivating students’ abilities in singing, dancing and music production, and aims to enhance their overall stage presence.
It will culminate in a one-week enrichment trip to the SM Universe campus in Seoul, where top students will also have the opportunity to audition with South Korean entertainment agencies.
SM Entertainment is one of the biggest K-pop agencies in South Korea and debuted many groups that defined the Korean wave, or Hallyu, around the world, including early boy bands like H.O.T., TVXQ and Super Junior, and girl group Girls’ Generation.
Among its stable of younger acts are boy band Riize and girl group Aespa.
According to a spokesperson for the Singapore campus, there is no fixed age limit for participants, but the academy expects those aged 13 to 18 to make up the majority of its enrolment.
The programme will be priced at approximately US$10,000 (S$13,510). The pioneer cohort will be limited to around 50 students and an online audition is required prior to enrolment to determine students’ skill sets.
There will also be other short-term programmes offered for those interested in bettering their performing skills.
According to a report by South Korean newspaper The Chosun Daily, the SM Universe Academy in South Korea opened in 2023.
It operates a three-year programme offering five majors in producing, singing, dancing, modelling and acting. A semester can cost up to 10 million won (S$9,250).
The Seoul campus targets high-school students who want to leave formal education and pursue a career in the entertainment industry. In Singapore, the course has been redesigned to fit an after-school curriculum.
Jae-won Jang, SM Universe’s chief executive, said in a press statement: “SM Universe is excited to expand into South-east Asia and nurture new talent.
This academy will provide aspiring K-pop artistes in the region with world-class education and serve as a springboard for their growth as they pursue their dreams on the international stage.”
Jonathan Ang, the Singapore campus’ director, added: “The establishment of a Singapore campus demonstrates our commitment to fostering talent and providing unparalleled growth opportunities for young artistes in South-East Asia.” - The Straits Times/ANN
