Endzone: SM Ent. OC Boygroup- Part One

Becoming Endzone: Kyte

April, 2007

It's 2007. What a time to be alive.

Hi, my name is Kim Kyungsoo. I am just a korean boy who likes music. I am 12 but you can bet I am ready to begin my journey to becoming a top idol singer just like TVXQ or Shinhwa or like any other big group out there.

I will admit that I'm not that talented, I am not a good singer at all but I can sort of dance okay. I've learned a few choreos but right now I'm just trying to focus on studies too since that's what my parents want from me.

I have 3 older brothers. I have been taught to be firm and dilligent. I need to focus on myself. I must be the best version of myself. I do agree with that but sometimes I look at my brothers and don't feel like they are actually happy.

There was an incident a few years ago when my dad and my 2nd older brother, Minhee, fought hard because my dad was against him joining an art school. Minhee used to paint really well and I could tell he really liked it. Mom did too but dad always saw it as just a hobby. Anyways, Minhee doesn't paint anymore, he's in his final year in his business school. He's a very good student, impressive even, so I'm sure he'll have an amazing career but I feel for him. He lost all his passion for art.

I'll be honest. I am scared to ask my parents if I can ever audition for an entertaient company. And well, that worry became quite big as recently I was struck with a great opportunity.

There I was, walking home. I had just parted ways with my friends and this man comes up to me. I won't lie, I was ready to throw hands even though I'd definitely get beaten up in an instant.

The man came up to me and just said:

"Hey, kid! I work for SM Entertainment. We are going to have an audition on April 17th, next week. Do you have any interest in becoming a trainee under our company?"

What is even happening? Is this guy for real?

"Yes." - I give the simplest and easily one of the lamest responses possible.

The man then explained to me how the audition would be like and gave me all the info about it. I was very excited, I mean, SM is the company. Everyone knows that they are making stars like it is no one's business. I knew I had to at least give it a try.

So, here I am. In my room thinking about how I should go up to my dad and say "Hey, dad. I want to be a singer. Exactly. I want to make you yell at me at how stupid that is. I want you to be so mad you might as well explode." I can't do that. I know it won't go well.

Maybe it is what it is. Dancing and singing should just be a hobby. I should focus on studies, right? But that sucks.

I gotta face the facts. The audition is in two days. I can't keep losing preparation time over this. Either I commit or I give up and I am no quitter.

I don't care. I just freaking realised that I don't need to tell my dad that I'm auditioning. If I tell him and fail it will bring chaos for nothing. And well, if I pass then... I don't know actually. I guess  I'll have to tell him but hey... If I actually pass then I'll worry about that. Right now, I'll do what I must and learn the choreography to H.O.T's Outside Castle.
I know it's an old song but I really think it's a good song and I feel like I should try performing it in the audition.

Okay. It's game day. I will leave school and head to SM. It's a long trip but it is worth it. I can make it, I just have to believe in myself. I worked hard and I have nothing to lose. This is a golden opportunity.

I arrive at SM's building and I feel some much unneeded pressure. I am all alone here and I'm gonna expose my skills in front of a bunch of experts. What was I thinking? Maybe I should just go back and do as I was taught. I should try and focus on a realistic career, right? Nope. I said nope to myself quite fast.