Can K-pop Trainees Communicate with Friends from Another Country?

As a prospective or current K-pop trainee, maintaining a connection with friends from another country can be quite a challenge. This article will guide you through the realities of this situation and provide insights based on the experiences of trainees at JYP Enterprises.

Understanding the K-pop Trainee Lifestyle

Being a K-pop trainee means adhering to a highly structured schedule that can limit your time and access to your personal life. The demanding nature of the industry often puts trainees in a position where they rarely have the opportunity to spend time alone or on their own interests.

A notable example is Nayeon of Twice, who detailed her experience at JYP Enterprises. She mentioned that for five years, she and her eight colleagues were in constant motion, rarely having a moment to themselves. This intense schedule likely contributed to the decision of all nine of them not to renew their individual contracts, indicating that they sought a more balanced life.

Communication Limits and Schedules

For K-pop trainees, especially those at companies like JYP, communication with friends from another country is largely dependent on the company's rules and the availability of the trainees' schedule.

Traditionally, trainees have very busy schedules, which include intense training sessions, classes, and rehearsals. This tight schedule can make it challenging to find time for personal relationships, let alone maintaining friendships with individuals from overseas. Furthermore, the nature of the training often requires trainees to develop strong bonds with their fellow trainees, rather than focusing on external friendships.

Company Rules and Restrictions

Many companies will include clauses in their contracts that restrict the use of personal devices, including smartphones and social media. This is done to maintain a consistent training environment and focus on the professional goals of the trainees.

Even if friends from another country are outside the company, the sheer intensity of the training schedule can make it nearly impossible to keep in touch. In some cases, trainees may not even be allowed to use their phones, further complicating communication.

Building Bonds within the Group

One of the primary focuses for K-pop trainees is to build relationships with their training group. Living together and training-intensive schedules often lead to strong bonds and camaraderie. It is important for trainees to prioritize these relationships as they form the core of the group dynamic.

Company rules and the demanding schedule can often require trainees to keep their status as trainees confidential, especially when contacting friends from abroad. This can add an additional layer of complexity to maintaining relationships with those outside the K-pop world.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while maintaining connections with friends from another country can be challenging for K-pop trainees, it is not entirely impossible. The key factors are the company's rules, the intensity of the training schedule, and the focus on developing strong relationships within the training group. Trainees may find gaps in their busy schedules where they can occasionally reach out, but regular, long-term communication may face significant obstacles.

It is important for trainees to be aware of these realities and understand that while they can still maintain these connections, the nature of the K-pop industry and the company's rules will significantly impact their ability to do so.