Diary of a Kpop idol

Chapter 26

I thought it would be interesting to share how I developed relationships with other idols and got close to them over the years.

Starting with SM Entertainment, I began training there at the start of 2011. My grandparents were the ones who prepared me for the audition when I was just six years old. I remember performing a cover of Justin Bieber’s "Baby" but with my own rap lyrics, and that’s how I got accepted. Even at that young age, I was already quite tall, looking more like an eight-year-old.

In the company, I quickly became popular and earned nicknames like "SM Baby," "SM Maknae," or even "Baby Maknae." Most of the time, idols and senior trainees would drop by to visit me, often bringing snacks and treats. Among the EXO members, I was especially close to Baekhyun, followed by Suho and others.

During that time, my routine was either training or watching comeback stages since I was homeschooled and didn’t attend a regular school. I wasn’t particularly close to Taeyong at all in the back days, and to be honest, our relationship was always a bit complicated. But I got along very well with Mark from NCT when we were trainees.

Years later, I continued to stay in touch with many of them. Within NCT 127, I’m now close with Taeyong because he is my god brother, and I feel comfortable around Jaehyun because of him. Mark and I have been good friends from way back, and Haechan is just that annoying friend who insists on being close. My favorite member is Yuta, although I don’t have that deep of a connection with others because my "brother" Taeyong is quite protective.

As for NCT Dream, my bonds are mostly with Mark and Haechan. I adore all the members. Here’s a secret: when I was younger, I used to pick my favorite group member based on who was the youngest. So, initially, Jisung was my favorite. But then I had this dream where someone pulled me against a wall and kissed me. I didn’t recognize him at first, but later I realized it was Jaemin. After that, I couldn’t stop paying attention to Jaemin, and he became my secret bias. At that time, Jaemin was on hiatus. I’ve also always enjoyed watching the Jaemin-Jeno duo.

When it comes to WayV, I wouldn’t say I have a specific favorite, but I do have a good relationship with them. I even covered one of their songs with them.

Moving on to Red Velvet, I don’t have as close a relationship with them as I do with SNSD, but we’re friendly. Speaking of SNSD, I once accidentally came up with a chore part for one of their songs. I feel more at ease with them overall.

Now, about Aespa, we’re quite close. I almost debuted with them instead of in OST. I was involved in co-writing, and even choreographing a few of their songs.

Switching to my time in JYP, I joined them in 2013 when I was about eight years old. Unlike regular trainees, my focus wasn’t just on learning languages, dancing, or rapping. Instead, I practiced producing, songwriting, and similar skills. When the show 'Sixteen' started, I took a step back from training.

I’m closest to Stray Kids and ITZY members out of everyone at JYP. I’ve known Bang Chan and Han since my trainee days, and I get along very well with Han. Changbin, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N can be considered friends, while Lee Know is easy to work with. But Hyunjin is something else, he’s constantly on my case, not letting me breathe! But he’s also one of my best friends.

As for YG Entertainment, I was never a trainee there, but my mom knows Uncle Yang Yang Hyunsuk, so I’ve visited their house a few times. I took auditions for both JYP and YG at the same time and was accepted by both. Ultimately, I chose JYP because I didn’t want to wait too long to debut and didn’t want any special treatment from Uncle Yang. Occasionally, I still visit YG. One time, while visiting, Uncle Yang introduced me to G-Dragon, my role model. That was such a memorable day; he was so nice and genuinely kind to me. I’m familiar with Blackpink members, although we’re not that close. We did get closer when OST debuted.