In a revealing interview on January 8, 2026, SHINee's Key shed light on the notoriously rigorous training system at SM Entertainment, a leading force in the K-pop industry. The discussion, originally...
In a revealing interview on January 8, 2026, SHINee's Key shed light on the notoriously rigorous training system at SM Entertainment , a leading force in the K-pop industry. The discussion, originally reported by Koreaboo, has ignited conversations about the impact of such intense regimes on aspiring idols and the industry at large. Key's Candid Insights into Training Challenges Kim Ki-bum, better known by his stage name Key, has been a member of SHINee since their debut in 2008. During the interview, he detailed the grueling schedule trainees endure, including vocal, dance, and language lessons, which can extend late into the night. According to Key, trainees often worked upwards of 15 hours a day, a stark reality that few outside the industry truly understand. Historical Context: SM Entertainment's Training Legacy SM Entertainment has long been recognized for its rigorous training program, which has produced some of the biggest names in K-pop, including groups like EXO and Girls' Gen...