Two years ago, the reporter was a big fan of the survival audition program “PRODUCE 48”. From the first to the last, the reporter watched every episode, voted, and even financially supported reporter’s favorite member. When the program was over, IZ*ONE debuted, and the reporter was crazy about IZ*ONE. However, a few months later, two members dropped out of school. One dropped out of middle school, and one dropped out of high school. They said they dropped out to focus on their activities, but the reporter felt something was wrong. In Korea, middle school is compulsory and it seemed wrong to drop out of middle school because of their work.
In addition to the previous cases, countless idol dreamers dropped out and gave up their studies to pursue their dreams. Of course, if their dream is more important than their studies, it may not be bad to drop out. However, less than 30 percent of idol trainees make their debuts, and less than one percent have succeed after their debut. Most idol dreamers cannot succeed even if they give up their studies, and no one is responsible after they finish their careers without success or debuting. Considering this, it is better not to quit school, but in reality, most trainees have to practice dancing, singing, and others day and night. Therefore, it is difficult to continue the life of a trainee as well as studying. Moreover, most idols debuted in adolescence and it makes more harder that they cannot keep their studying. In a way, the reason why many idol dreamers dropped out is reasonable.
The reporter wondered if it is right for us to be enthusiastic about idols who made their debut by giving up a lot of things and doing endless dancing and singing practices. K-pop is famous all over the world these days, but do people know that idols made their debut without proper education? Do they know that most of them made their debuts when they were young, and most of them are not working after 10 years? Of course, some might say that no one begins their trainee life without knowing this. However, since most idol dreamers have been trainees at least since they were students, the reporter wondered if they can make a decision considering so many things at such a young age. As a big fan of K-pop idols, it is really great they do their best for their dreams, but on the other hand, the reporter felt sorry for that. It looks like a colossal gamble with low probability. Very sadly, most trainees cannot make their debut even if they give up their studies, and when they fail to make their debut, giving up their studies can hamper their other career choices. In the future, it is also important for idols to strive for their dreams, but the reporter hopes that it changes so they can practice and debut without giving up so many things.