SMTOWN AUDITIONS GUIDE

LIVE AUDITION Q&A

Q: What is the best way to contact [SM] if you want to audition but cannot make it to a live audition?
A: Email!
Explanation: You don't have to worry about sending in a USB or CD/DVD that will get broken in the mail. Email auditions are much more reliable than the everysing auditions in terms of getting a reply. It's also free! If you send it through snail mail, you have to pay for postage.

Q: Do I have to dance?
A: If you want to be seriously considered as an idol, yes.
Explanation: The dance portion is optional, but all idols must be able to dance. Even the more vocally focused hopefuls on K-Pop Star are sometimes asked to dance. Unless you are the world's next Aretha Franklin, you should dance.

Q: I am just auditioning for Singing. Do I need to include a dancing clip?
A: You are not required to, but it is in your best interest. SM isn't know for its abundance of soloists, and even their soloists can dance! Zhang Liyin was a former candidate for SNSD (so she was trained in dancing as well as singing), Kangta was a former member of H.O.T., and BoA, of course, is known as a dancing machine.

Q: I am just auditioning for Acting (or Modeling, or VJing). Do I need to include a dancing and/or singing clip?
A: No. You just need a clip of your talent.

Q: Should I accompany myself with a guitar/piano/violin/etc.?
A: No. They don't have pianos available at either location. Also with the amount of waiting and how little time the judges give you, it's not worth it to bring an instrument along.

Q: Can I dance and sing at the same time?
A: No.

Q: What can I do so I'm not as stiff as a tree?
A: Well, they ask you to focus on the camera and not the judge. Ham it up! Work the camera with your charisma and gestures that emphasize the lyrics of the song you're singing.

Q: How long does it take for them to respond?
A: SM says they will hand out results within a month. However, this is only if you hold any interest for them. I auditioned on May 11, 2013 and I still haven't gotten an email. After one and a half months, you can safely assume you did not pass and can begin practicing again.

Q: I applied for Globals/Youth Star twice (third, etc.) and I'm scared that I'll be banned.
A: Unless they check closely, you should be okay. However, I would refrain from sending SM any sort of audition email for the audition for that year (for example, if you send two emails for the 2012 Globals, don't try for the Globals until 2013).

Q: I don't speak Korean. What will I do at auditions?
A: Unless you speak basic Korean, I suggest auditioning in LA unless Seoul is considerably closer to where you live. There will someone who speaks English (almost) all the time at the LA auditions, but there is only a translator present for the application process at the Seoul auditions.

Q: Do I have to email first before going to a live audition or is it walk-in?
A: Depends on your audition. Seoul Weekly Auditions and LA and Japan Monthly Auditions are walk-in only. Do not send an email for these auditions. However, Global and Youth Star Auditions require an email application first.

Q: Do I have to / Can I bring my own CD for dancing?
A: No. SM's website explicitly states that you are not to bring your own CD. Whether you are auditioning for Dancing or just freestyling after Singing, SM will select the music.

Q: What should I put in the "Korean Name" box?
A: If you have a legal Korean name (or Chinese name, etc.) please write it down. However, if the Korean name you go by is merely a nickname acquired by friends or your Korean teacher or Korean friends, please leave the box blank.

Q: Is it a good sign that the judge asked me to sing longer? Is it a good sign that the judge asked me to sing another song?
A: The longer you are allowed to sing, the better sign it is.