SM Entertainment
Ever since their iconic debut, NCT (an acronym for Neo Culture Technology) have grown tremendously as artists and in sheer size. Now totaling over 20+ members, their various sub-units have showcased a surplus of talent and combinations that have NCTzen cheering worldwide. They have transformed the landscape of K-Pop, leaving behind a noticeable impact that will be talked about for years to come.
The members of NCT have worked extremely hard to get to their current status. They've wowed millions and all of it started from the time they were trainees. While many fans look up information like their favorite color or MBTI personality types, some go even deeper to learn the history of the members — like how they first entered the company.
If you find yourself thinking about this, look no further! Find out how the members of NCT were casted/auditioned for SM Entertainment!
1. JaeHyun
SM Entertainment
JaeHyun was cast for an audition in front of his school by an SM employee. For his audition, he performed EXO's 'MAMA' choreography. During an episode of "NCT Life", JaeHyun recounted how stiff he was during his audition, but immediately showed the stark difference after receiving proper training.
2. TaeYong
SM Entertainment
Before becoming the reliable leader of the global idol group, TaeYong was living the life as a simple student. However, upon seeing his visuals, he was street casted by an SM employee. It seems even at a young age, TaeYong was stealing hearts with his handsome looks.
3. DoYoung
SM Entertainment
After standing on stage for a singing contest, DoYoung was approached by a casting director. However, it took quite some time and various auditions before the company was certain he had the qualities needed to become a potential artist at SM Entertainment.
4. TaeIl
SM Entertainment
TaeIl was able to woo a casting agent from SM just by participating in a singing contest. However, at the time, he was presented with two choices: university or trainee life. While he did choose to attend university at first, he eventually changed his mind and entered SM Entertainment.
5. Ten
SM Entertainment
Ten auditioned through SM's Global Audition in Thailand in 2013. It wouldn't take too long before he was introduced as the first Thai idol to be a part of SMROOKIES, the company's famous group of stars in the making.
6. Mark
SM Entertainment
Same as Ten, Mark was casted through a global audition, but in Canada! While he first auditioned for his vocals, management had other plans in mind and developed him to become a proficient rapper. He's shown to be excellent at both, becoming a true all-rounder.
7. Yuta
SM Entertainment
Another SM Global Audition Alum, Yuta auditioned when the company came to Japan. He's been part of the company since 2013 and has been constantly praised for his dancing prowess.
8. Johnny
SM Entertainment
Johnny auditioned when SM Global Audition came to the States. He sang a hymn for his audition piece and is known for having the longest trainee period in NCT.
9. JaeMin
SM Entertainment
JaeMin was casted when he was working at a volunteering event. While handing out posters and collecting trash, an SM employee noticed him and he was invited to audition for the company. A kind heart and undeniable skills, JaeMin is a true angel come to earth.
10. JungWoo
SM Entertainment
One way idol hopefuls are able to enter SM is through their Saturday Auditions. While this is considered one of the hardest methods, those who go this route and pass tend to see much success. While accompanying a friend, JungWoo auditioned too and was accepted into the company.
11. RenJun
SM Entertainment
Renjun passed both an online and in person audition, taking a 3-hour train ride in the morning to do so. While he showed off his dancing skills, after training, Renjun became a prominent vocalist of the SM group.
12. Chenle
SM Entertainment
Prior to joining SM Entertainment, Chenle had managed to amass tons of experience under his belt, releasing three albums and even holding a concert at 14-years-old. Due to his already flourishing career, he was invited to join SM Entertainment and only trained around 3 months before making his debut as a NCT member.
13. Jeno
SM Entertainment
Jeno first appeared in the entertainment industry as a child actor, gracing screens through CFs, advertising a variety of products. His mother was offered the opportunity to make Jeno an idol and while she rejected it at first, she decided to allow her son to pursue his dreams.
14. WinWin
SM Entertainment
At first, WinWin was cautious in the face of countless pursuits from casting managers, wary of any potential dangers from people he did not know. While he did give them a fake contact number at first, he eventually found himself auditioning for SM and becoming an internationally-renowned idol.
15. JiSung
SM Entertainment
JiSung was able to enter the company through a casting at a dance competition. While he impressed with his stellar dance moves, with training he was able to improve and become the standout artist we know and love today.
16. Xiaojun
SM Entertainment
Xiaojun previously made waves in the entertainment industry in China as a contestant on survival program "X-Fire" in 2015. However, he later found himself auditioning for SM Entertainment with a musical piece and showcased his breakdancing skills. He was then accepted into the company to start his journey to becoming a full-fledged idol.
17. YangYang
SM Entertainment
After being injured while doing sports and having surgery for it, YangYang had a dream of standing on stage. When he woke up, he found an ad for SM Auditions in Taipei and decided to fly over from Germany to, literally, make his dreams come true. Through his efforts, YangYang was accepted into the company and trained endlessly to reach his goals.
18. HaeChan
SM Entertainment
While he entered the company before JungWoo, the way they were casted into SM is one and the same. At the SM Saturday Audition, HaeChan ended up signing Justin Beiber's 'Baby' and danced to SHINee's 'Sherlock'. The rest is history as he was able to enter into the company and start his journey to becoming an SM artist.
19. Hendery
SM Entertainment
Hendery joins the ever-growing list of idols to be streetcasted into their company. While shopping one day, a casting agent approached him to join SM. The rest is history as he went through arduous training to stand on stage in front of his beloved fans.
20. Kun
SM Entertainment
Kun participated in the SM Global Audition in Guangzhou, China. The judges and staff saw something special in Kun, inviting him to become a trainee underneath the SM banner.
21. NCT NEW TEAM
SM Entertainment
NCT NEW TEAM is NCT's most recently formed sub-unit. They are a six member team comprised of Riku, Yushi, DaeYoung, Sion, Ryo, and Sakuya. While Sion and Yushi were previously part of SMROOKIES, the rest of the members were able to join the group and company through pre-debut reality show, "NCT Universe: LASTART".
Did you know the NCT members' casting/audition stories? Let us know what you think of them in the comments!
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