Ex-SKarf member cautions K-pop boot camp wannabes about 'real harshness' of industry
Ex-SKarf member Ferlyn Wong cautions K-pop boot camp wannabes: Don't expect too much
If K-pop wannabes think the two-week K-Xperience Bootcamp, organised by local entertainment company Big Boss Entertainment, will prep them enough for the harsh realities of a K-pop trainee in Seoul, they are very wrong.
Take that from local singer Ferlyn Wong, former member of Korean female quintet SKarf.
The 23-year-old spent four years chasing her dream in Seoul after being selected for SKarf at an open-call audition by Alpha Entertainment in 2011.
She left her group last September, citing reasons such as "not being able to fit into SKarf's sweetie-pie concept and not being able to voice her own opinions", to pursue a solo career.
Wong released her debut solo album, First, in January.
I strongly suggest that they use this money to invest in classes in Singapore, which are more affordable and effective in the long run.
- Local singer Ferlyn Wong, former member of K-pop group SKarf (above)
Yesterday, The New Paper reported that a parent is spending US$3,800 (S$5,300) on her 15-year-old daughter to join the boot camp in South Korea.
Participants will be trained by Korean record label trainers and get to attend auditions held by some of Korea's top entertainment agencies, like JYP, MBK and Cube, at the end of the camp.
In an interview with TNP, Wong said that while aspiring stars might get a taste of the regimental lifestyle, she has "high doubts" they will know "the real harshness".
"How long can a boot camp be? A few weeks? If that's the case, they won't be able to experience the 'full course meal' which I had. They will likely just be trying the 'appetisers'.
"Not being able to fully understand Korean might be a good thing for them.
"At least they won't be getting the full impact of insults, or rather verbal abuse, which was something I was unprepared for."
Her mum was called by her Korean manager because Wong was allegedly "too opinionated".
"My manager told my mum off, saying she should have taught her daughter better and that her daughter is not living the way a proper human being should," said Wong.
Wong's manager also allegedly scolded her, saying "she will never succeed in anything she does".
OTHER OPTIONS
Wong said: "US$3,800 is not a small sum. Kids might not understand that their parents worked hard to earn that money.
"In fact, there's a high chance the (camp fees) might be the monthly income of their household.
"I strongly suggest that they use this money to invest in classes in Singapore, which are more affordable and effective in the long run."
She explained that while the camp "might be beneficial for character building, toughening up and experiencing a new culture", it would "not be useful in terms of picking up skills due to its short duration and lack of continuity".
Wong said she would instead recommend "exchange programmes in schools, or even church camps which are free".
"As for picking up dancing or singing, I think that signing up for long-term regular lessons would be more effective," she said.
To those who have already signed up, Wong advised: "They are very blessed and lucky to have parents who are so supportive. I'd advise them not to expect too much out of it, just enjoy and learn as much as they can.
"It'll definitely not be a total waste of time and money. They might learn that this career path is not for them or vice versa, and might be more determined in working hard for their passion.
"I hope they are motivated by passion towards the art, and not just blind passion about being a celebrity and being famous."
They turned down their chance at K-pop fame
I want to finish my studies because I do not like to stop things I start halfway.
- Mr See Kai Zheng, who also rejected the contract offered after auditioning for the same show
When I realised I had to commit for so long (eight years), I started to waver.
- Mr Shao Chong Chong, who turned down a contract after his audition for China-Korea TV talent show Super Idol
As wannabes sign up for Big Boss Entertainment's K-pop boot camp for a shot at stardom, two aspiring singers here have given up their chance at fame.
Local undergraduate See Kai Zheng and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) music student Shao Chong Chong from Xiamen were offered contracts after their auditions for China-Korea TV talent show Super Idol held at *SCAPEearlier this month.
But record label Ocean Butterflies confirmed that both 22-year-oldsrejected the contracts.
The contract required an eight-year commitment to Super Idol and they had to be based largely in China to film a TV show capturing their training.
Mr See declined to share why he turned down the contract, saying it was "too personal".
However, the National University of Singapore student who is studying statistics, revealed that his parents helped with his decision.
"They were supportive, but being supportive also means being objective and evaluating the possibilities for my future, (taking into account factors) like stability, security, passion, living a good or happy life," he explained.
REASONS
Mr See said: "I want to finish my studies because I do not like to stop things I start halfway.
"To be a star is one thing... I still have a desire to focus on honing my craft, be it singing, performing, songwriting or acting."
Mr Shao was more direct.
"Initially, I thought if I really did make it past the auditions, I'd just need to participate in the TV filming during my (school) holidays and that at most, the whole project would be a two- to three-year commitment," he told TNP.
"When I realised I had to commit for so long (eight years), I started to waver.
"In the end, while I'm upset that I had to decline this opportunity, it is the right choice to make as I am on a Singapore Government scholarship. It is a matter of principle that I work in the government sector after I graduate from Nafa next year."
When told about Big Boss Entertainment's K-pop boot camp and its hefty sign-up fee, both said it was "very expensive".
The Super Idol auditions were free.
Said Mr See: "It is a good thing that parents are supportive of their children's hobbies. I feel that these children should do their best in achieving their dreams and do their parents proud.
"That said, we must face the reality that nothing comes easy. We should always stay grounded and put in hard work, which is a necessity for success."
Mr Shao agreed: "The kids at the boot camp might not become stars, but it is the journey that is most important. They will learn how to be more confident, how to present themselves, and all these skills will come in handy when they go out to work."
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