Failed and former K-pop idols compete for comeback

This picture taken on Nov 13,2020 shows South Korean singer Ryu Sera (second from right) dancing with other competitors during a recording of a television show 'Miss Back' in Seoul. Photo: AFP

When Ryu Sera made her debut with K-pop girlband Nine Muses, the years of intense training and ruthless competition seemed worthwhile, her dreams of stardom finally coming true.

A few top 10 singles followed, but within four years she had been cast on the K-pop scrapheap, sacked by her management company as it reshuffled the band's line-up.