Lee Jong-hyuk’s Son Was a Starship Trainee: “He Quit Due to Insomnia”

Lee Jong-hyuk Discusses Son’s Journey as a K-Pop Trainee

Renowned actor Lee Jong-hyuk recently revealed an intriguing chapter from his son’s life during an interview, shedding light on the demanding world of K-pop. He disclosed that his son was once scouted by Starship Entertainment, but ultimately decided to leave the trainee program due to overwhelming fatigue.

Recollections from the Past

In a captivating segment shared on June 10 via the YouTube channel XIUMIN’s Ramyeon Place, Lee reflected on the varied pursuits of his children while conversing with EXO’s Xiumin.

According to Lee, his younger son, Tak-soo, caught the attention of Starship Entertainment thanks to his eagerness to learn K-pop dance. Despite the initial excitement, the realities of rigorous training took a toll.

Lee Jong-hyuk shares insight about son's experience as Starship trainee

Struggles of a Young Trainee

“He used to want to learn K-pop dance, and Starship offered him a spot as a trainee, ” Lee remarked.“But after school, he would go to training, then take the last subway home. He wasn’t getting any sleep and eventually decided to quit.”

Lee elaborated on the impact of the rigorous schedule on his son’s physical development, noting:

“He’s 181 cm tall, but I think he could have been taller. I believe it’s because he wasn’t sleeping enough during that time.”

In contrast, his elder son, Joon-soo, boasts a height of 194 cm, which Lee attributes to his son’s healthier sleep habits.

The Importance of Sleep

In a humorous turn, Lee shared anecdotes from his own school days, emphasizing the critical role of sleep:

“Back in high school, I was second in my class when it came to sleeping. The first place went to a friend who had rhinitis and was always dizzy—so he slept even more than I did!”

Lee’s observations extend to a broader issue, highlighting that many child actors and aspiring trainees in the entertainment industry often face stunted growth due to excessive hours and inadequate rest.

Insight into K-Pop Trainee Life

The insights provided by Lee Jong-hyuk bring to light the hidden struggles frequently overlooked within the K-pop industry. His son’s experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the difficult decisions that young talents must navigate—a balancing act between chasing their dreams and prioritizing their health and well-being.

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