Seoul, South Korea, 14, March 2025 – EN:K World, a pioneering K-Pop trainee academy and newly established entertainment label, is proud to announce its official launch of new trainee programs aiming to transform the traditional K-Pop training system and create a more inclusive, transparent, and artist-friendly industry. Overseen by Joshua Hall, a visionary executive and the first foreigner to hold such a role in the Korean entertainment industry, EN:K World is committed to breaking down barriers for aspiring artists while addressing long-standing issues within the K-Pop ecosystem.
A New Vision for K-Pop
EN:K World was born out of a desire to challenge the unrealistic expectations and exploitative practices often associated with K-Pop training. Joshua Hall, the driving force behind EN:K as the CEO of Global Operations and Talent recognized the need for a system that prioritizes talent, mental health, and fairness over profit. “The traditional K-Pop training system often treats idols as products rather than people,” says Hall. “At EN:K World, we’re changing that narrative by focusing on accessibility, transparency, and the well-being of our trainees.”
Breaking Down Barriers
EN:K World identifies several key barriers preventing talented individuals from succeeding in the K-Pop industry, including:
- Financial Inequality: The high cost of training often leads to so-called “slave contracts,” where trainees are burdened with debt before they even debut. EN:K World eliminates this by offering accessible pricing and a 50/50 profit split upon debut, ensuring artists are fairly compensated for their work.
- Lack of Diversity: EN:K World is actively working to bring more foreign talent into K-Pop, including Black, Latin, and other underrepresented groups, to create a more globalized industry. The audition process will not be limited to a specific age range, because talent comes in all ages.
- Mental Health Neglect: Traditional training programs often overlook the mental and physical well-being of trainees. EN:K World implements an open-door policy, limits training hours, and provides mental health support to ensure a healthier environment.
Innovative Training Programs
EN:K World does away with the 14-16 hour training days and offers a tiered training system designed to cater to all levels of experience:
- Basic Training Level: For those new to K-Pop training. The trainees are expected to train 4 hours per day.
- Advanced Level: For trainees refining their skills. The trainees are expected to train 6 hours per day.
- Debut Track: A specialized program to prepare and debut artists either through it’s own label or with one of its many industry partners. The trainees are expected to train 6 hours per day.
In addition, EN:K World introduces unique initiatives like the One-Day K-Pop Program, where participants can experience 8 hours of vocal, performance, and dance training for ≈ $270, and the After-School Program, designed for aspiring trainees to train twice a week. The academy also offers visa sponsorship and subsidized housing for international trainees, making it easier for global talent to pursue their dreams.
Early Success Stories
EN:K World has already had experience in the industry through its recent co-management partnership of the girl group BUSTERS which is in the process of auditioning for the next generation’s members, and its collaboration with XLOV, a recently debuted group who are garnering a lot of attention for their gender-neutral concept and impressive performance skills, currently trains and practices at the academy. All members of AIMERS who recently received recognition for their songs being featured in the second season of the NETFLIX hit show “XO, Kitty” -- also began their journeys at EN:K World, showcasing the academy’s ability to nurture and debut successful artists.
A Commitment to Change
EN:K World is not just about training idols; it’s about reshaping the industry. The company is addressing critical issues such as contract transparency, fair work conditions, and the toxic fan culture that often targets young artists. “We won’t debut idols under 18,” says Hall. “Our trainees are people with lives, and we respect that. Contracts won’t restrict personal freedoms like dating, and we’ll ensure our artists are protected from harmful situations.”
Upcoming Debut Projects
EN:K World announces an ambitious and diverse lineup of five groundbreaking groups set to debut by the end of 2026, each bringing a unique concept to the global stage. The groups include Peachy, a five-member group dedicated to promoting body positivity and inclusivity, empowering fans to embrace self-love. IMP4CT, a four-member cultural fusion group, will celebrate South Korea’s growing multinational demographic, blending diverse backgrounds and styles to create a truly global sound. 3ternal, a quintet, will captivate audiences with their mature sophistication, offering a refined and elegant take on music and performance. Meanwhile, Giggl, a six-member ensemble, will bring laughter and joy through their comedy-centric entertainment, combining humor with infectious energy. These groups represent EN:K World’s commitment to innovation, representation, and creativity, promising to redefine the entertainment landscape.
Join the Movement
EN:K World is currently auditioning for its new incubator group and offering pre-registration discounts for April trainees. With a maximum of 50 trainees per month and a focus on quality over quantity, EN:K World is dedicated to creating a supportive and innovative environment for the next generation of K-Pop stars.
For more information, visit EN:K-world.com/academy.
About EN:K World
EN:K World is a Seoul-based K-Pop trainee academy and entertainment label with a mission to empower the next generation of global stars. EN:K World focuses on accessibility, transparency, and artist well-being while nurturing global talent and pioneering new sounds and styles in music.
Follow EN:K World:
Global Instagram @enk_global
Media Contact:
Joshua Hall, CEO of Global Operations and Talent
Joshua@enk-world.com
www.enk-world.com
+82-10-2187-2557