The Hanlim Arts High School is the alma mater to many South Korean stars including Itzy's Shin Ryu-jin, Twice's Kim Da-hyun, and actor Yoo Seon-ho.
THE SCHOOL compound is deserted, with only a couple tumbleweeds blowing across the yard, as we, a group of visiting foreign journalists, arrived.
It was school holidays in South Korea, but at Hanlim Arts High School, nestled in Seoul’s Songpa District, there were many students still hard at work.
In one of its studios, students as young as 15 are practicing their routines under the watchful eye of Park Min Jun, head of the school’s dance department.
"Each student is presenting a routine, like popping, a hip-hop dance style," said Min Jun, standing proudly as the eager students showcased their twists and locks.
In one of its studios, students as young as 15 are practicing their routines under the watchful eye of Park Min Jun, head of the school’s dance department. — Hanlim
This is serious business. Hanlim, a private school offering courses in music, dance, filmmaking, and modeling, among others, is one of the most prominent arts schools in South Korea, fueling an entertainment industry currently valued at billions of dollars.
Founded in 1962, the school became a full-fledged arts institution in 2009, establishing numerous collaborations with companies in arts, entertainment and technology.
Over the years, the school's alumni list has become a who's who of South Korean entertainment, with notable names like Itzy's Shin Ryu-jin, Twice's Kim Da-hyun, and actor Yoo Seon-ho. Hanlim's graduation ceremony has even become a media event in itself, often watched eagerly by those hoping to witness the birth of the next big star.
Naturally, there’s curiosity about the daily routines of students at such a prestigious institution. Do they spend more time hitting the books or the dance floor?
According to 19-year-old Kim Seung-mo, who was scouted to join the boyband Ampers&One, it's a bit of both.
"We have regular academic classes and take exams like any other school. But once those are over, we focus on our arts classes," said Kim, who had also been busy with photoshoots and preparing for concerts since his debut.
Ampers&One
He certainly looks the part of a K-Pop idol, with a tall physique, high cheekbones, a pronounced nose bridge and a boyish smile – qualities that would surely charm his female fans.
Calm and composed, Seung-mo seemed well-prepared for the media, perhaps trained by his scouts or the school.
"I've learned to sing, dance and act. It's good to be versatile in this industry. For now, I'm just very happy to have made my debut," he said, clearly aware of the industry's competitive nature.
A similar readiness can be found in his schoolmate Park Bo-eun, a 17-year-old lead vocalist of the girl group CLASS:y.
With her cherubic face, Park appears a natural fit for the K-Pop world, having secured a spot in CLASS:y without extensive training.
"I always dreamed of being a singer and I have many seniors from Hanlim who have made it big," she said.
Seungmo (left), a member of the K-pop boy group Ampers&One, who studied at Hanlim Arts High School and Bo-Eun, the lead singer of CLASS:y. — Hanlim
Hanlim is supportive of its students' ventures into the entertainment industry. According to the school’s public relations director, Kim Jinny, those who have debuted are allowed up to 63 days of leave per year for their artistic careers.
"Some students are signed even before graduation and are busy with tours or projects. We allow them extended leave because it's part of their learning experience," she said.
But does this flexibility come at the expense of academics?
With a firm look, Jinny explained that while Hanlim accommodates artistic pursuits, academics remain a priority.
"We’re strict about studies. If a student is away on tour, our teachers prepare extra classes for them," she said.
Bo-eun, too, praised the teachers’ support.
"They’re very attentive about our development. They will always be around to offer additional classes," she said.
The school is also mindful of the mental strain that the entertainment industry can place on students.
"We have counseling sessions for any issues that arise, including difficulties with their agencies. Department heads closely monitor students' mental health.
"We even collaborate with the Korean Entertainment Management Association and Korea Creative Content Agency on this matter," Jinny said.
Park Bo-eun is the lead vocalist of the girl group CLASS:y.
CLASS:y
One question remains: what happens to those who aren't signed by talent scouts or struggle to find success? Jinny said the school works to help them find roles that better suit them, like supporting roles within the industry.
As the world's fascination with K-Pop and Korean entertainment continues to grow, Hanlim stands as both a training ground and a launching pad for the next wave of talent fueling this global phenomenon.
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Through rigorous academics, artistic training, and dedicated support, Hanlim creates a community where young artists learn, grow, and prepare for the demands of the spotlight.
And understandably, while the high ambitions and competitive nature can be taxing, Seung-mo and Bo-eun insist that the atmosphere remains friendly: "We're all friends here. Some of them even cheer us on," they said with a smile.
The visit was organised by South Korea’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry to showcase the country’s entertainment industry, a driving force behind the K-Wave phenomenon.
