G-Dragon, Jihyo, and Natty: Successful Idols Who Changed Agencies Before Their Debut

The Rise of Idols from Mid-Sized Agencies

Natty, a member of the group Kiss of Life, has made remarkable strides in her career following her debut at a mid-sized agency. After transitioning from larger companies, she has successfully established herself among the elite idol groups in the industry.

G-Dragon’s Impressive Solo Comeback

In a much-anticipated return, G-Dragon recently launched his solo single “POWER,”marking his first release in seven years. With a career that began 18 years ago as part of BIGBANG under YG Entertainment, G-Dragon and his group were instrumental in propelling the K-pop phenomenon to global prominence in the mid-2010s. The LA Times famously hailed BIGBANG as “the most successful band in K-pop over the past decade,” noting their extensive influence comparable to that of global superstars like Adele, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift.

A Journey of Transformation

While G-Dragon is synonymous with YG Entertainment, he shared on the show You Quiz on the Block that he began as a trainee with SM Entertainment. His time there was characterized by his performance as a child actor and participation in a dance competition hosted by Lee Soo-man. After spending five years at SM, he realized it didn’t align with his aspirations and subsequently left, shifting gears to focus on rap, which ultimately led to him being scouted by YG.

Similarly, Jihyo from TWICE also has roots at SM Entertainment. On her YouTube channel Hyo’s Level Up, she revealed, “I spent a year at SM before training for 10 years at JYP.” Moving to JYP was a strategic choice as her casting agent transitioned to the agency, and she opted to follow suit.

Fans often speculate whether Jihyo could have been part of the iconic girl group Girls’ Generation, given her time at SM prior to their debut. However, the prevailing sentiment is one of appreciation for her role in shaping the third generation of K-pop with TWICE.

TWICE: A Lasting Legacy

Debuting in 2015, TWICE has solidified its place on the world stage and is nearing its 10th anniversary. Their recent achievements include reaching #84 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with the track “Moonlight Sunrise,” along with topping the Global 200 chart with the popular song “With YOU-th.”

Natty: A Testament to Perseverance

Natty’s journey is a testament to the “miracle of mid-sized agencies.”Initially a trainee at both SM and JYP, she began her career at SM after successfully passing their Thailand global audition in 2013, during which she lived alongside Red Velvet members Joy and Seulgi.

Eventually, she joined JYP, inspired by her mother, a fan of 2PM. After leaving JYP in 2017, Natty’s determination propelled her forward as she navigated various opportunities. She made her official debut with Kiss of Life under S2 Entertainment, quickly securing a top position at #3 on Melon’s TOP100 within just a year. Her dedication and honed skills, cultivated through years of training, have earned her admiration and respect from fans.

Source: Naver

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