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K-Pop audition stories are often full of intrigue, from why idols auditioned to what they performed during their auditions. A notable example is the patriotic trio of HeeChul (SUPER JUNIOR), MinGyu (SEVENTEEN), and TaeYong (NCT), who sang the national anthem during their auditions.
Among other fascinating stories is the “three poses” crew—a group of idols who initially auditioned as models, striking three poses. However, the judges saw potential beyond their modeling skills, leading to their debut as idols. Here are five of them!
1. 2PM’s TaecYeon
TaecYeon Official Instagram
Korean singer and actor Ok TaecYeon recalled seeing JYP Entertainment’s audition ad in the United States while surfing the Korean web. At the audition, categories included singing, dancing, and comedy. TaecYeon eliminated these options and opted for modeling due to his tall stature. After passing his audition, he relocated to South Korea, where he began training in rap and dancing. He also piqued an interest in acting.
With a career spanning 15 years, TaecYeon gained prominence as a member of 2PM and has become one of South Korea’s charismatic artists and actors. As an actor, he has impressed audiences with roles in “Vincenzo,” “Heartbeat,” and “Let’s Fight Ghost,” among others. Known for his well-built physique, he has also landed fashion opportunities, including becoming the exclusive model for ‘Sieg Fahrenheit’ in 2013, the face of sportswear brand ‘Chariot’ in 2015, and an ambassador for Swiss watch brand ‘Rado’ in 2020. In 2023, he led the modeling march at GQ Suit Walk’s 10th-anniversary event in Taipei.
2. BTOB’s Peniel
Peniel Official Instagram
BTOB‘s Peniel is a man of many talents. Aside from spicing up BTOB’s discography with his rapping, vocals, and lyricism, he wears many hats as a host, radio DJ, and photographer. Before debuting with the CUBE Entertainment group in 2012, he trained at JYP Entertainment after passing their Chicago auditions. Despite being a talented rapper, singer, and vocalist, Peniel initially auditioned for JYP as a model.
Sharing his audition story with Eric Nam, he explained that he joined his friend to audition with the intention of singing. Upon arriving, he received a form showing the various categories, including acting and modeling. “So I was like modeling. I can do three poses and get in,” he told Eric Nam. During his audition, aside from the regular model poses, he was made to dance to Justin Timberlake’s ‘Sexy Back.’
Despite auditioning as a model, Peniel has not had significant solo modeling deals but has established himself as a phenomenal host. From shows such as “Pops in Seoul” and “Skool of K-Pop” to the Dive Studio shows “HWAITING” and “GET REAL,” Peniel has entertained K-Pop fans in many ways.
3. NCT’s Johnny
Johnny Official Instagram
Since his debut, Johnny Suh has captured the hearts of fans with his charm, iconic lines in songs, and his fashion sense. The NCT rapper and sub-vocalist, who grew up in Chicago, recalled hearing about the SM Entertainment auditions from his mom, who was part of the Korean Board Broadcasting Station. She suggested he audition as a model, and he agreed to it, calling it “the first time he decided for himself.” He thought he just had to do poses but was asked to dance to Justin Timberlake’s ‘Sexy Back.’ He passed the auditions and traveled to South Korea every summer for training.
As a member of NCT, Johnny is known for his YouTube show, “Johnny’s Communication Center,” which has the mini-series “Johnny’s Fashion Evaluation.” The series sees him analyze and rate his members’ outfits. Beyond leading the assessment of the NCT members’ outfits, Johnny has made his name in the fashion industry with appearances at the New York Fashion Show and other global fashion events. He made a splash at the 2022 Met Gala when Peter Do, a New York-based fashion designer, styled him. Not only was he tagged as one of the best-dressed men at the event, but he was also declared the most-talked-about celebrity by American research firm Netbase Quid.
4. Lucas
Lucas Official Instagram
On an episode of the South Korean variety show “Knowing Bros,” Lucas, formerly of NCT and WayV, shared his audition story. “I wasn’t good at studying in school, so I wanted to experiment and experience,” he told the hosts. At the time, SM Entertainment held an audition in Hong Kong, his hometown. He tried out the audition and immediately passed. When asked about the song he sang at the audition, the rapper and visual revealed he did not prepare any significant performances but made three modeling poses and passed the auditions. After passing his audition, he began training as a model before eventually switching to rapping, singing, and dancing.
After his NCT U debut, Lucas appeared in fashion shows, including the 2019 S/S Hera Seoul Fashion Week, where he participated in KYE’s fashion show. He also modeled for “Charm.” In 2021, the SuperM member was chosen as a model for ‘Gucci Les Pommes,’ a campaign to celebrate Chinese Valentine’s Day. He has also earned invitations to prestigious fashion events, including the ‘Burberry’ Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Show and the ‘Gucci Aria’ Fashion Show in Shanghai. In 2021, before his hiatus, he was appointed Skincare Ambassador for ‘Guerlain Paris.’ In October 2024, months after his solo debut, he returned to the runway for the Korean denim brand ‘SOON JEANS.’
5. Weeekly’s Zoa
Weeekly Official X
“Models are lucky Zoa chose music” and “Models should be thankful Zoa chose to be an idol” are among the many comments fans of Weeekly have made about Zoa. Since making her debut, the group’s youngest member has received praise for her model-like physique. During a Vlive broadcast celebrating her 16th birthday, Zoa revealed she auditioned as a model but eventually debuted as the sub-rapper and visual of the IST Entertainment girl group.
Despite not having any fashion endorsements, Zoa has shown off her fashionista and model sides on various occasions. She showcased her charisma in the teaser for KBS’ 50th-anniversary program, “Your KBS, Our 50 Years.” She has also captivated many with her unique poses and aura during group pictorials and comeback teasers.
Who is your favorite from the three poses squad?
