The first K-Pop Academy of Singapore opened its doors this week, welcoming an inaugural class of 50 students from all of Asia and in addition to training to become global idols.
Founded through a partnership between an institute of arts of the local show and a South Korean entertainment agency, the Academy aims to offer a complete curriculum modeled on the rigorous interior systems used by the best K-pop labels in Seoul.
The lessons began on Monday in a study complex specially built in the artistic district of the city. The students will participate per day sessions Cover the vocal technique, the choreography of dance, linguistic coaching, media training and personal brand. The faculty includes former K-pop choreographers, vocal coaches who have worked with groups at the top of the ranking and multilingual media tutors.
The director of the program, Lee Min-Jae, underlined the balance between discipline and creative expression. “Trainees will be physically and artistically challenged,” he said. “We want to help them develop skills that can support long -term careers, either in Korea, Singapore or elsewhere.”
Candidates were subjected to a multi-stage selection Process that involves online auditions, interviews and seminars on site. The final group represents 12 nationalities, with participants aged between 14 and 22 years.
Among these is the 17-year-old Siti Rahma Site student, who started learning the K-pop dance moves from YouTube at the age of 12. “I am thrilled to train under professionals who know the reverse industry,” he said. “It seems the real beginning of my dream.”
Another student, the local Singapore Grace Tan, observed that the emphasis of the Academy on cultural exchanges has attracted it. “We will learn the Korean but we will also share our musical influences, from Mandopop to Western R & B,” he explained.
The one -year -old program culminates in a showcase in Seoul, where trainees will perform in front of the scout talents and representatives of the agencies. Participants will register demo traces in a cutting -edge recording studio on the campus and will receive indications on social media strategies aimed at building global follows.
Rachel Yong, co-founder of the Academy highlighted The importance of digital involvement. “Idoli today connect immediately with fans around the world,” he said. “Our students must master not only performances, but also how to present themselves online”.
The cost per student starts at SGD $ 25,000, about $ 19,400, which covers school taxes, accommodation and mealties. There are opportunities for scholarships for the best candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential and financial need. The organizers plan to recruit a second largest lot at the beginning of 2026, based on the success of the Pioneer group.
The observers of the sector note that Singapore’s entry into the K-Pop training reflects the continuous global expansion of the genre. Analysts provide that partnerships between South Academies -East Asia and Korean agencies could become a new pipeline of talents.
For now, the first K-Pop Academy of the city-state is betting on its ability to merge the proven K-pop training methods with the multicultural strengths of Singapore, fueling a new generation of international idols.
