You know, everybody.

You know, everybody.

Welcome back to the K Factor Everything k Pop. First to Buy Bomhan. This is a podcast about everything K pop. We're going to pull back the curtain and bring you guys into the world of idols, musicians, songwriters, choreographers, and this is a deep dive into the making of an idol. I am your host, Bomhan, and I have been a trainee for the past six years and I am now pursuing a solo career here in America, and I kind of want to give you guys my personal experience, my personal anecdotes and everything that I experience kind of going through the system of K pop.

Welcome back to the K Factor Everything k Pop. First to Buy Bomhan. This is a podcast about everything K pop. We're going to pull back the curtain and bring you guys into the world of idols, musicians, songwriters, choreographers, and this is a deep dive into the making of an idol. I am your host, Bomhan, and I have been a trainee for the past six years and I am now pursuing a solo career here in America, and I kind of want to give you guys my personal experience, my personal anecdotes and everything that I experience kind of going through the system of K pop.

So what a lot of people.

So what a lot of people.

Don't understand is that for every successful group that you see performing these big stages like Mama, Coachella, Lallapalooza, like, there are thousands of groups that didn't make it. And I kind of want to pull back the curtain on what are some of the hardships that would result in a group not being able to make it? What are some of the setbacks and the challenges And I'm going to give you my personal experience. Okay, so about six years ago, I moved to Korea and as a kid from New York. I didn't speak a word of Korean. And there's a bunch of international trainees who go through this as well. And actually, later we're going to have a guest who was part of one of the big three companies and trained for years, moved there when he was fourteen and kind of had a bad experience and it came back to America. So we're going to be talking to him a little bit later in the episode or making them an idol. But right now, this is my personal experience. Right I moved to Korea into a smaller company and I didn't speak.

Don't understand is that for every successful group that you see performing these big stages like Mama, Coachella, Lallapalooza, like, there are thousands of groups that didn't make it. And I kind of want to pull back the curtain on what are some of the hardships that would result in a group not being able to make it? What are some of the setbacks and the challenges And I'm going to give you my personal experience. Okay, so about six years ago, I moved to Korea and as a kid from New York. I didn't speak a word of Korean. And there's a bunch of international trainees who go through this as well. And actually, later we're going to have a guest who was part of one of the big three companies and trained for years, moved there when he was fourteen and kind of had a bad experience and it came back to America. So we're going to be talking to him a little bit later in the episode or making them an idol. But right now, this is my personal experience. Right I moved to Korea into a smaller company and I didn't speak.

A word of Korean.

A word of Korean.

I literally got there and I was like, where are the subtitles? And I went to the dorm and I saw a little dog and I was like, oh, hello dog, And then the dog barked back in and he spoke more Korean than I did. That the owners would go to me like son kitado ottadawa, Oh, what is a dala wa?

I literally got there and I was like, where are the subtitles? And I went to the dorm and I saw a little dog and I was like, oh, hello dog, And then the dog barked back in and he spoke more Korean than I did. That the owners would go to me like son kitado ottadawa, Oh, what is a dala wa?

What is a sultan? You know?

What is a sultan? You know?

So that was my experience, and they kind of like put me through like an intensive language learning program where I was like learning five hundred words a day and they would like give me tests like kind of like a couple of days later, and I have to like be like okay, like I would get four hundred words out of five hundred on a good day maybe, and we would do this every single day. And all this time, I was like seventeen years old. You know, I'm dealing with the emotions of leaving home, like first time, kind of being removed from my family, and just kind of like like, Okay, I feel lonely. You know, I'm in this new country and no one speaks English. I can't be friends with anyone here. And we're just training every single day. And I actually brought my old training schedule for you guys, So I'm we're gonna put it up on the screen if you guys are watching visually, but if you're listening, check this out.

So that was my experience, and they kind of like put me through like an intensive language learning program where I was like learning five hundred words a day and they would like give me tests like kind of like a couple of days later, and I have to like be like okay, like I would get four hundred words out of five hundred on a good day maybe, and we would do this every single day. And all this time, I was like seventeen years old. You know, I'm dealing with the emotions of leaving home, like first time, kind of being removed from my family, and just kind of like like, Okay, I feel lonely. You know, I'm in this new country and no one speaks English. I can't be friends with anyone here. And we're just training every single day. And I actually brought my old training schedule for you guys, So I'm we're gonna put it up on the screen if you guys are watching visually, but if you're listening, check this out.

Okay, this says Boomhan.

Okay, this says Boomhan.

One week plan, all right, ten am, wake up, ten am to eleven am. I get a shower, have my meal clean or whatever. So I asks for an hour, and then from eleven to eleven thirty we'll go to the practice room. Like we'll kind of bike there or like have someone drive. That's thirty minutes, okay, and eleven thirty to two we have Korean study, so I get to study these words that they give me like five hundred words a day, and they're like boom Boomhan. You learn how to annual haseo and I'm like, oh, I'm seo right, and then I do that right. And then from two to three we have vocalization or pronunciation, which is also like pronouncing Korean words, but we're like covering rap songs, covering English songs in Korean, so I have to learn how to pronounce these words right. So we do that. Then from three to seven thirty we have rap practice. Okay, cool, I get to rap. Boom, I'm writing raps, I'm performing. And then we practice and we have these evaluations where it's it's the it's the company's staff, four of.

One week plan, all right, ten am, wake up, ten am to eleven am. I get a shower, have my meal clean or whatever. So I asks for an hour, and then from eleven to eleven thirty we'll go to the practice room. Like we'll kind of bike there or like have someone drive. That's thirty minutes, okay, and eleven thirty to two we have Korean study, so I get to study these words that they give me like five hundred words a day, and they're like boom Boomhan. You learn how to annual haseo and I'm like, oh, I'm seo right, and then I do that right. And then from two to three we have vocalization or pronunciation, which is also like pronouncing Korean words, but we're like covering rap songs, covering English songs in Korean, so I have to learn how to pronounce these words right. So we do that. Then from three to seven thirty we have rap practice. Okay, cool, I get to rap. Boom, I'm writing raps, I'm performing. And then we practice and we have these evaluations where it's it's the it's the company's staff, four of.

Them or however many in front of you.

Them or however many in front of you.

They have like their little boards, and then they're like, okay, perform and you gotta go there and you gotta you gotta perform and whatever they give.

They have like their little boards, and then they're like, okay, perform and you gotta go there and you gotta you gotta perform and whatever they give.

You, you just just do it and they give you a score.

You, you just just do it and they give you a score.

And in these bigger companies, you're kind of competing against other trainees and like who does better on like the evaluations.

And in these bigger companies, you're kind of competing against other trainees and like who does better on like the evaluations.

However, for me, I was.

However, for me, I was.

The only treaty in my company. So I actually felt a lot of pressure, but also like no pressure. I was like, Okay, if I mess up, what are they gonna do? Like hire someone else? Like I I run. It's like if I was to like work at a boboshop and like, what are you gonna do?

The only treaty in my company. So I actually felt a lot of pressure, but also like no pressure. I was like, Okay, if I mess up, what are they gonna do? Like hire someone else? Like I I run. It's like if I was to like work at a boboshop and like, what are you gonna do?

Like fire me?

Like fire me?

You know, so I'm the only employee, Like I like, okay, your business is gonna you know. So I felt the pressure of like I wanted to do well, but I was like, I'm not competing against anyone here. So we would do these evaluations and then that was to kind of practice for it. Right then from seven thirty to eight thirty, we have photo missions, and I think this is something that I don't know if other companies do this. But I had to do selfie practice. So I had to take my phone. I had to take a selfie, and then I would be like fifty to one hundred selfies and then I would send it to my manager and my manager would pick like like five or ten or however many are like good and show off like my features and then they're like, uh, okay, now do this again.

You know, so I'm the only employee, Like I like, okay, your business is gonna you know. So I felt the pressure of like I wanted to do well, but I was like, I'm not competing against anyone here. So we would do these evaluations and then that was to kind of practice for it. Right then from seven thirty to eight thirty, we have photo missions, and I think this is something that I don't know if other companies do this. But I had to do selfie practice. So I had to take my phone. I had to take a selfie, and then I would be like fifty to one hundred selfies and then I would send it to my manager and my manager would pick like like five or ten or however many are like good and show off like my features and then they're like, uh, okay, now do this again.

And then and I have to like recreate the seven.

And then and I have to like recreate the seven.

Pictures and then and then at the end of the day, I would have taken like three hundred selfies and then like there'll be like two good ones.

Pictures and then and then at the end of the day, I would have taken like three hundred selfies and then like there'll be like two good ones.

And I have to do this every single day.

And I have to do this every single day.

And then like they also have they combine it with like this thing they call photo mission, and you just had to like copy pictures at I don't think any other pop stars in the world have to do that. And then we'd write lyrics from eight thirty to one third until eleven thirty and you're like, Okay, it's been like twelve hours. You know, when does he get to go home? Okay, I'm writing lyrics from a thirty to eleven thirty and then okay, maybe it's time to go home.

And then like they also have they combine it with like this thing they call photo mission, and you just had to like copy pictures at I don't think any other pop stars in the world have to do that. And then we'd write lyrics from eight thirty to one third until eleven thirty and you're like, Okay, it's been like twelve hours. You know, when does he get to go home? Okay, I'm writing lyrics from a thirty to eleven thirty and then okay, maybe it's time to go home.

Just kidding. Twelve forty to twelve o'clock, you.

Just kidding. Twelve forty to twelve o'clock, you.

Go to the dance practice room twelve o'clock like twelve am. Yeah, then from twelve am to six am go to is dance practice.

Go to the dance practice room twelve o'clock like twelve am. Yeah, then from twelve am to six am go to is dance practice.

Go to the dance practice room and dance.

Go to the dance practice room and dance.

So we're practicing from kind of ten am to six am every single day. And this was my schedule seven days a week except for on Sundays, I get to go to church and I get three hours of rest and that's just the training schedule, you know, not to mention kind of the culture shock of learning a whole new culture. There's a lot of things in Korea where you have to respect your elders. You can't eat faster than the oldest person in the room, your force and your spoons have to be facing a certain way. And I was like, I don't know any of this, and when you mess up, a lot of times people wouldn't tell you.

So we're practicing from kind of ten am to six am every single day. And this was my schedule seven days a week except for on Sundays, I get to go to church and I get three hours of rest and that's just the training schedule, you know, not to mention kind of the culture shock of learning a whole new culture. There's a lot of things in Korea where you have to respect your elders. You can't eat faster than the oldest person in the room, your force and your spoons have to be facing a certain way. And I was like, I don't know any of this, and when you mess up, a lot of times people wouldn't tell you.

I was very blessed to be.

I was very blessed to be.

In a welcoming environment where they knew that they were kind of bringing in an American or someone who was born and raised in America.

In a welcoming environment where they knew that they were kind of bringing in an American or someone who was born and raised in America.

So they gave me a lot of grace with a lot of the culture stuff.

So they gave me a lot of grace with a lot of the culture stuff.

But I know a lot of stories a lot of people, like with the guests that we have coming on later, where these foreign trainees they wouldn't know the culture and they wouldn't know like the little hidden rules where you can't say certain things, where you can't like act as certain we have to sit with like your hands on your knees, like all this stuff right, and we don't know this and a lot of us we pissed someone off because they're like the why is this kid not having his hands on his knees right now, and they get blacklisted from the training and then they kind of have like sit in like like like these kind of like like like these away areas and they kind of they're like secluded because they didn't follow the rules and they just seem like a rude kid. But we're coming from a different place, you know, like like we're chasing our dreams and we moved here when we're fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and all the only thing we're thinking about is dance. But there's a bunch of different layers and that's one of the little hardships, you know. And a couple of years ago during my time, there was COVID, and COVID had a huge impact on these foreign trainees who were coming in because a lot of these smaller companies they had a mass like firing, I guess of their international trainees because they couldn't tour and a lot of their sponsors were getting cut and like they were like, Okay, we can't house you anymore, so you go home. And a lot of trainees got let go during this time, and I was one of them. So I auditioned from a company and I moved to Korea and then COVID hits immediately and they're like, oh, like you kind of have to like go. I was like, what, like, we can't afford you anymore. They were like oh okay. And then I just went home and I would call my other training friends and they're like, yeah, we actually just literally went home too.

But I know a lot of stories a lot of people, like with the guests that we have coming on later, where these foreign trainees they wouldn't know the culture and they wouldn't know like the little hidden rules where you can't say certain things, where you can't like act as certain we have to sit with like your hands on your knees, like all this stuff right, and we don't know this and a lot of us we pissed someone off because they're like the why is this kid not having his hands on his knees right now, and they get blacklisted from the training and then they kind of have like sit in like like like these kind of like like like these away areas and they kind of they're like secluded because they didn't follow the rules and they just seem like a rude kid. But we're coming from a different place, you know, like like we're chasing our dreams and we moved here when we're fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and all the only thing we're thinking about is dance. But there's a bunch of different layers and that's one of the little hardships, you know. And a couple of years ago during my time, there was COVID, and COVID had a huge impact on these foreign trainees who were coming in because a lot of these smaller companies they had a mass like firing, I guess of their international trainees because they couldn't tour and a lot of their sponsors were getting cut and like they were like, Okay, we can't house you anymore, so you go home. And a lot of trainees got let go during this time, and I was one of them. So I auditioned from a company and I moved to Korea and then COVID hits immediately and they're like, oh, like you kind of have to like go. I was like, what, like, we can't afford you anymore. They were like oh okay. And then I just went home and I would call my other training friends and they're like, yeah, we actually just literally went home too.

And I was like, wait, well and I'll.

And I was like, wait, well and I'll.

Call someone else and they're like, yeah, I'm in Boston right now.

Call someone else and they're like, yeah, I'm in Boston right now.

I'm like, what the heck, what's going on?

I'm like, what the heck, what's going on?

You know?

You know?

So I was like, Okay, is this how the dream ends? Just like that?

So I was like, Okay, is this how the dream ends? Just like that?

And sometimes it's just that quick, and then your dreams are over and now you're back in America, you know, except you spent you spent like three years in career already, and you missed high school, you missed middle school, and now you just have to go through with your regular life.

And sometimes it's just that quick, and then your dreams are over and now you're back in America, you know, except you spent you spent like three years in career already, and you missed high school, you missed middle school, and now you just have to go through with your regular life.

You know, Like what is that like?

You know, Like what is that like?

And actually we have some insight, So please welcome our guest who's going to talk about all the befoors, all the durings and all the afters of what it was like being a training.

And actually we have some insight, So please welcome our guest who's going to talk about all the befoors, all the durings and all the afters of what it was like being a training.

Everybody, Please welcome my dear friend Anthony. Hello, what is up?

Everybody, Please welcome my dear friend Anthony. Hello, what is up?

It's it's been a minute, bro, it's been a fat.

It's it's been a minute, bro, it's been a fat.

It's been a fat. I think I think we used to hang out when you were like sixteen.

It's been a fat. I think I think we used to hang out when you were like sixteen.

Yeah yeah, and when I was like young. Yeah dude, I'm guess my age now, dude.

Yeah yeah, and when I was like young. Yeah dude, I'm guess my age now, dude.

Oh dude, dude, Oh are you twenty eight.

Oh dude, dude, Oh are you twenty eight.

Twenty one, twenty one? No long?

Twenty one, twenty one? No long?

No way, so long? What the heck? Oh my god, dude, I remember we used to We used to train together.

No way, so long? What the heck? Oh my god, dude, I remember we used to We used to train together.

Run down college and the little disteelings.

Run down college and the little disteelings.

And everything, and then we have the mirror eighty Georgia heat.

And everything, and then we have the mirror eighty Georgia heat.

Oh my god, it was terrible.

Oh my god, it was terrible.

Mrrors from like Facebook marketplace for like ten bucks, no for. We did a festival too. We were rapping about like Korean barbecue and like Dan.

Mrrors from like Facebook marketplace for like ten bucks, no for. We did a festival too. We were rapping about like Korean barbecue and like Dan.

Yeah no, no, that almost fun though. I envied that like a lot. Yeah that was fun. Man.

Yeah no, no, that almost fun though. I envied that like a lot. Yeah that was fun. Man.

What's up, man, how are you doing? Thank you for coming on to my podcast.

What's up, man, how are you doing? Thank you for coming on to my podcast.

No problem, bro, No, it's honestly, it's an honor. It's the Bohmont. Bro. I saw you grow man so much when you went to Korea and everything. I'm just like, wow, this guy's in no places. I'm so happy that you grew to this extent.

No problem, bro, No, it's honestly, it's an honor. It's the Bohmont. Bro. I saw you grow man so much when you went to Korea and everything. I'm just like, wow, this guy's in no places. I'm so happy that you grew to this extent.

The whole time I was going to Korea, because you went to Korea before I did. Right, the whole time I was there, I was thinking about, like, dude, like whatever I'm going through because I went when I was eighteen. I was like, right, like like Anthony or or like you go by June now like yeah, like like he went through this when he was fourteen, So everything that I was experiencing, I was like, no, it could be worse.

The whole time I was going to Korea, because you went to Korea before I did. Right, the whole time I was there, I was thinking about, like, dude, like whatever I'm going through because I went when I was eighteen. I was like, right, like like Anthony or or like you go by June now like yeah, like like he went through this when he was fourteen, So everything that I was experiencing, I was like, no, it could be worse.

You know, you know you a whole time dude, right right, how was it for you? Like look for me?

You know, you know you a whole time dude, right right, how was it for you? Like look for me?

Okay, I guess not so far off from what you went through, Okay, but I know that a lot of entertainments are different, like the way they run things, right, and especially from what I heard from my other fellow trainees, because they were like in and out a lot of other companies. Right, the way they treat international trainees, I guess back then. I don't know how it is now, but back then they would treat it differently with me. Not in a bad way, right, they just treated differently, you know what I mean? But with my experience, like I know some trainees are not allowed to have their phones and everything like that, you know what I mean? For me, They're like pretty lenient on me, you know, because I'm like, I'm like a kid, and I like, I just moved to Korea and everything I can like somewhat speak Korean. Right, I wasn't as fluent as I am now, but back then, you know.

Okay, I guess not so far off from what you went through, Okay, but I know that a lot of entertainments are different, like the way they run things, right, and especially from what I heard from my other fellow trainees, because they were like in and out a lot of other companies. Right, the way they treat international trainees, I guess back then. I don't know how it is now, but back then they would treat it differently with me. Not in a bad way, right, they just treated differently, you know what I mean? But with my experience, like I know some trainees are not allowed to have their phones and everything like that, you know what I mean? For me, They're like pretty lenient on me, you know, because I'm like, I'm like a kid, and I like, I just moved to Korea and everything I can like somewhat speak Korean. Right, I wasn't as fluent as I am now, but back then, you know.

I was like communiate Korean.

I was like communiate Korean.

Yeah, yeah, I am pretty yeah, but you were still considered like an international trainee.

Yeah, yeah, I am pretty yeah, but you were still considered like an international trainee.

Technically because I was born in America, you know what I mean?

Technically because I was born in America, you know what I mean?

Okay, Wow, English is like like, hey, let's start from the beginning.

Okay, Wow, English is like like, hey, let's start from the beginning.

Okay, like, how did you even get into this company.

Okay, like, how did you even get into this company.

Because you're you're fourteen, You're like thirteen, You're like you're running around playing for how did you end up in Korea?

Because you're you're fourteen, You're like thirteen, You're like you're running around playing for how did you end up in Korea?

So pretty much, my uncle is actually has a lot of connections in the industry. Okay, takes a lot of music. He made music for like twice, I made music for like all these big groups, right, and so he was like, hey, Anthony, you have a lot of talent. Let's work on something, right. So I started learning producing from him, okay, and I started to learn like how to sing, and he gave me points on how to dance because he used to be an ex K pop idol back then and so he tried to He technically took me under his wing because he's like, oh, you have a lot of talent and everything, like, I feel like you'll be really good cay right, and I'm like I was interested in it. So we trained for like I started training under him when I was twelve, and then for two years we were just training rigorlously rigorously. And then so and then my uncle's like, here, I think you're ready to be, like, I think you're ready to go into like entertayingment. Let me let me hit on my boys, right, we can do an audition and everything. And so I technically got a private audition, right. And so, don't get me wrong, I filed a lot of auditions. It took a lot of time, right, but I've managed to get into CJ Entertainment, right, which is why. And then I went to Korea, right, and I went to under the company. I did all this and that, right, and then I was training in one of their facilities. Luckily for me, I lived with my grandma there because she lived in Korea. So they had a choice there, like do you want us to move you in a dorm or do you want to live with you like your family members. I was like, yeah, all of my family members. But what's so bad is that I had to take a two hour train ride to the training facility while going to school, right, and so CJ. They wrote like this letter to the school. They're like, hey, please excuse Anthony for like the half of the school day because he needs to go train and stuff.

So pretty much, my uncle is actually has a lot of connections in the industry. Okay, takes a lot of music. He made music for like twice, I made music for like all these big groups, right, and so he was like, hey, Anthony, you have a lot of talent. Let's work on something, right. So I started learning producing from him, okay, and I started to learn like how to sing, and he gave me points on how to dance because he used to be an ex K pop idol back then and so he tried to He technically took me under his wing because he's like, oh, you have a lot of talent and everything, like, I feel like you'll be really good cay right, and I'm like I was interested in it. So we trained for like I started training under him when I was twelve, and then for two years we were just training rigorlously rigorously. And then so and then my uncle's like, here, I think you're ready to be, like, I think you're ready to go into like entertayingment. Let me let me hit on my boys, right, we can do an audition and everything. And so I technically got a private audition, right. And so, don't get me wrong, I filed a lot of auditions. It took a lot of time, right, but I've managed to get into CJ Entertainment, right, which is why. And then I went to Korea, right, and I went to under the company. I did all this and that, right, and then I was training in one of their facilities. Luckily for me, I lived with my grandma there because she lived in Korea. So they had a choice there, like do you want us to move you in a dorm or do you want to live with you like your family members. I was like, yeah, all of my family members. But what's so bad is that I had to take a two hour train ride to the training facility while going to school, right, and so CJ. They wrote like this letter to the school. They're like, hey, please excuse Anthony for like the half of the school day because he needs to go train and stuff.

You know what I mean, You're going to school.

You know what I mean, You're going to school.

So they wrote, Yeah, I went to school in career. Yeah, yeah, And when I went there, I gave them the note and everything, right, and so I would My schedule essentially will be I will wake up at seven am, right, I'll walk over to school. The school walk is like fifteen minutes, so it's not that bad. So I'll walk over to school, right, and then after that, I would I will mostly just sleep because I'm I'm not gonna lie. Like in career, you can't fail a class. You literally cannot fail, right, as long as you have like you don't have a zero, you're not going to fail. So I had like all my classes because I wasn't able to understand Korean.

So they wrote, Yeah, I went to school in career. Yeah, yeah, And when I went there, I gave them the note and everything, right, and so I would My schedule essentially will be I will wake up at seven am, right, I'll walk over to school. The school walk is like fifteen minutes, so it's not that bad. So I'll walk over to school, right, and then after that, I would I will mostly just sleep because I'm I'm not gonna lie. Like in career, you can't fail a class. You literally cannot fail, right, as long as you have like you don't have a zero, you're not going to fail. So I had like all my classes because I wasn't able to understand Korean.

Yeah, kids, you're not bro.

Yeah, kids, you're not bro.

I had like a five or ten out of one hundred, and my all my classes.

I had like a five or ten out of one hundred, and my all my classes.

Wow.

Wow.

Yeah, I'm not even kidding. Even in English, right, in English, I had a seventy reason reason why. It is because the use questions are in Korean. Yeah yeah, but I spoke English. But I looked at the question. I'm like, it's in creating. I'm like, uh, Ryan calling off. I'm like, what does that mean? Right? Yeah? So I'm just like you screw it? And so I use like I use like, I just I'm like, there's like a passage right that you have to read. So I'm like, Okay, I'm reading it. I know what's going on. And they're just like I just see multiple choice answer. I'm just like, I'm just guess I think it's Ryan. His name is Ryan, and so I'm just like I'm just started circling Ryan. Right. So that's like my only passing passing class technically, right right. And so yeah, so anyways, back to the thing. So, yeah, after I would leave school at twelve thirty, around twelve thirty to one, right after lunch, and I would go to the training training. I would go to the train switch two trains or three trains two three trains, I don't remember really, but I would take a two hour train ride, and I have to have to keep switching and everything. And that's a HiT's adjustment too, because I was like, man, I guess crea, I kind of like look for all these things. Right. Luckily I never managed, like I never missed a single train ride in my life. I would fall asleep in this train. I would just wake up when it's my stop, and I'm just I'll just go right. I don't know how I did that thing. It's because my like, I think my body was asleep, but my hearing was still like awake, you know what I mean, four exactly, and I was at fourteen at the time. Yeah, and so yeah, two hour chain ride. Then I'll go to the training facility. I'll practice there till like twelve to one, sometimes like later till then, and I'll go back home with the two hour train ride. Of one and a half hour train ride, right, and then this is one go to sleep.

Yeah, I'm not even kidding. Even in English, right, in English, I had a seventy reason reason why. It is because the use questions are in Korean. Yeah yeah, but I spoke English. But I looked at the question. I'm like, it's in creating. I'm like, uh, Ryan calling off. I'm like, what does that mean? Right? Yeah? So I'm just like you screw it? And so I use like I use like, I just I'm like, there's like a passage right that you have to read. So I'm like, Okay, I'm reading it. I know what's going on. And they're just like I just see multiple choice answer. I'm just like, I'm just guess I think it's Ryan. His name is Ryan, and so I'm just like I'm just started circling Ryan. Right. So that's like my only passing passing class technically, right right. And so yeah, so anyways, back to the thing. So, yeah, after I would leave school at twelve thirty, around twelve thirty to one, right after lunch, and I would go to the training training. I would go to the train switch two trains or three trains two three trains, I don't remember really, but I would take a two hour train ride, and I have to have to keep switching and everything. And that's a HiT's adjustment too, because I was like, man, I guess crea, I kind of like look for all these things. Right. Luckily I never managed, like I never missed a single train ride in my life. I would fall asleep in this train. I would just wake up when it's my stop, and I'm just I'll just go right. I don't know how I did that thing. It's because my like, I think my body was asleep, but my hearing was still like awake, you know what I mean, four exactly, and I was at fourteen at the time. Yeah, and so yeah, two hour chain ride. Then I'll go to the training facility. I'll practice there till like twelve to one, sometimes like later till then, and I'll go back home with the two hour train ride. Of one and a half hour train ride, right, and then this is one go to sleep.

Yeah I'm around there, Yeah okay.

Yeah I'm around there, Yeah okay.

And then sometimes I'll have to take a taxi because like a lot of the trains will like stop at the time, you know what I mean, So I would take the taxi, right, But I feel like because Korea is like relatively a lot safer than a lot of country. My parents were okay with it, you know what I mean. And so and also obviously it's because like I feel like less vulnerable since I'm like more of like I'm a guy rather than like a girl, you know what I mean. And so I was like, okay, you know what, I'm able to take a taxi later and I think I'm fine, right, So I would do that and then I would go home sleep I like two three am, right, and then I would just repeat the same process day, okay, and I would go to school and then I look just mostly fled in class because I'm just like I'm so tired for this, you know what I mean.

And then sometimes I'll have to take a taxi because like a lot of the trains will like stop at the time, you know what I mean, So I would take the taxi, right, But I feel like because Korea is like relatively a lot safer than a lot of country. My parents were okay with it, you know what I mean. And so and also obviously it's because like I feel like less vulnerable since I'm like more of like I'm a guy rather than like a girl, you know what I mean. And so I was like, okay, you know what, I'm able to take a taxi later and I think I'm fine, right, So I would do that and then I would go home sleep I like two three am, right, and then I would just repeat the same process day, okay, and I would go to school and then I look just mostly fled in class because I'm just like I'm so tired for this, you know what I mean.

It was like going on in your head during this because were you like feeling like lonely or you just like kind of like focused or like.

It was like going on in your head during this because were you like feeling like lonely or you just like kind of like focused or like.

Definitely lonely at times just because I wasn't able to speak like, you know, fluently in Korea, right, And there was a lot of misunderstandings with trainees on my fellow trainees, but after I spoke to them, you know, and like the thing is, they were amazing though. There's there were great people, right, they love foreigners and everything, right, they were super nice. They were like they always made sure I ate and everything, and there were some times where I was like I was like crap, like I forgot what to bring my wall or they would just pay for me, you know what I mean. Like yeah, they were they were like super nice. I never had issue with the trainees or anything like that, other than like some instances where it's of miscommunication, I'll have to explain, Oh, that's not what I meant, you know what I mean.

Definitely lonely at times just because I wasn't able to speak like, you know, fluently in Korea, right, And there was a lot of misunderstandings with trainees on my fellow trainees, but after I spoke to them, you know, and like the thing is, they were amazing though. There's there were great people, right, they love foreigners and everything, right, they were super nice. They were like they always made sure I ate and everything, and there were some times where I was like I was like crap, like I forgot what to bring my wall or they would just pay for me, you know what I mean. Like yeah, they were they were like super nice. I never had issue with the trainees or anything like that, other than like some instances where it's of miscommunication, I'll have to explain, Oh, that's not what I meant, you know what I mean.

So like culturally too, like like you like, growing up in America, you don't have that like nun you know, like you don't have that sense.

So like culturally too, like like you like, growing up in America, you don't have that like nun you know, like you don't have that sense.

Exactly, yeah, exactly, yeah, yeah, and you end up like respending someone accidentally.

Exactly, yeah, exactly, yeah, yeah, and you end up like respending someone accidentally.

Right, Oh, Like I didn't really mean it like this, but there's like certain people who are like who's gonna take care of you?

Right, Oh, Like I didn't really mean it like this, but there's like certain people who are like who's gonna take care of you?

You know?

You know?

Like I also dealt with that a lot, like as like an international training's like we're like like all like like anything.

Like I also dealt with that a lot, like as like an international training's like we're like like all like like anything.

Culturally, like they were like you have to put your spood in a certain.

Culturally, like they were like you have to put your spood in a certain.

Way, you have to like eat at the case of the eldest at this table, like all these things were such like a big culture shock, like this affects you in your training too. You know, it's like it affects how much training time you get, it affects how much like attention you get from like the teachers.

Way, you have to like eat at the case of the eldest at this table, like all these things were such like a big culture shock, like this affects you in your training too. You know, it's like it affects how much training time you get, it affects how much like attention you get from like the teachers.

You know, it's pretty a huge thing. Yeah, yeah, I feel like with my dance teacher, right, I guess my personal experience, I don't think she liked me very much, okay, right, but my vocal teacher was amazing. She was very nice. But like I'm gonna be honest, so I have like a BTS backup dancer that was actually helping me. Not really, I want to say the teacher was helping me them much because she mostly just talked choreo and she catered to the other trainees. But this one, I'm still I saw contact with him today. He's like an amazing He's an amazing home right he I actually learned a lot of dancing from him, and he taught me like a lot of things I know today, you know. And yeah, like he he's just he's like a top g bro. He's amazing. I love that guy. And I think he's still doing backup dancing. He's gonna debut in Japan actually, or I think he's already debuted in Japan.

You know, it's pretty a huge thing. Yeah, yeah, I feel like with my dance teacher, right, I guess my personal experience, I don't think she liked me very much, okay, right, but my vocal teacher was amazing. She was very nice. But like I'm gonna be honest, so I have like a BTS backup dancer that was actually helping me. Not really, I want to say the teacher was helping me them much because she mostly just talked choreo and she catered to the other trainees. But this one, I'm still I saw contact with him today. He's like an amazing He's an amazing home right he I actually learned a lot of dancing from him, and he taught me like a lot of things I know today, you know. And yeah, like he he's just he's like a top g bro. He's amazing. I love that guy. And I think he's still doing backup dancing. He's gonna debut in Japan actually, or I think he's already debuted in Japan.

You you met him uh in the company?

You you met him uh in the company?

Yeah, I met him in the company. He got like switched around and everything.

Yeah, I met him in the company. He got like switched around and everything.

Yeah, what was what was it like training in the company, Like what was your day to day like in the company.

Yeah, what was what was it like training in the company, Like what was your day to day like in the company.

Day to day? Okay. So I would get into the facility okay, right, and they have like you know the young youngsu shiz right, Like they'll have the private training rooms right that you can go into. Right. So I went in there. I would just packice a little bit and they have like set schedules for me. They were like, Okay, this is the time where the lesson's gonna happen. Everyone has to be there and everything like that, or like they will split us up into groups. Okay, your group A group your scoops or something like that, right, and they'll be like, Okay, group A, you're gonna go in there first, Group B, you're gonna switch out with them, blah blah blah x y Z you know you know what I mean. So that's like I guess how I was training, right, because this is like a separate facility. CJ owns a crap Ton facilities and then they just put a lot of trainings into certain things, right, okay, And so I would be let's just say, one day, I'll be Goop Egg, one day I'll be Group C, right, and I just depending on what time it will be, I will go into the practice room and then they have like a piano in there, right, and so I was start doing my scales like a right, and then I'll do the scales and everything right, and then a lot of the times, the dance room was always so packed. It was always so packed.

Day to day? Okay. So I would get into the facility okay, right, and they have like you know the young youngsu shiz right, Like they'll have the private training rooms right that you can go into. Right. So I went in there. I would just packice a little bit and they have like set schedules for me. They were like, Okay, this is the time where the lesson's gonna happen. Everyone has to be there and everything like that, or like they will split us up into groups. Okay, your group A group your scoops or something like that, right, and they'll be like, Okay, group A, you're gonna go in there first, Group B, you're gonna switch out with them, blah blah blah x y Z you know you know what I mean. So that's like I guess how I was training, right, because this is like a separate facility. CJ owns a crap Ton facilities and then they just put a lot of trainings into certain things, right, okay, And so I would be let's just say, one day, I'll be Goop Egg, one day I'll be Group C, right, and I just depending on what time it will be, I will go into the practice room and then they have like a piano in there, right, and so I was start doing my scales like a right, and then I'll do the scales and everything right, and then a lot of the times, the dance room was always so packed. It was always so packed.

Bro god, yeah yeah. And then the ones who are oldest always gets to use it first, no.

Bro god, yeah yeah. And then the ones who are oldest always gets to use it first, no.

Exactly, because that's like a respecting and career, you know what I mean. Yeah, And so like I'm just like, damn, I can't even practice dance that much, right, And so I would just wait until it's time. So let's say it will be five o'clock. That's when you can like go into the dance room.

Exactly, because that's like a respecting and career, you know what I mean. Yeah, And so like I'm just like, damn, I can't even practice dance that much, right, And so I would just wait until it's time. So let's say it will be five o'clock. That's when you can like go into the dance room.

There's a lot of waiting when you're the youngest.

There's a lot of waiting when you're the youngest.

And you're from like when you're in you're a foreigner, you're at like the bottom of the food chain exactly.

And you're from like when you're in you're a foreigner, you're at like the bottom of the food chain exactly.

Yeah. Yeah, you're literally the least prioritized. And then it's the other people that has been here the long like the longest longest, right, right, And I guess people that they see has more potential, right. But luckily for me, right, there was another guy that actually joined in at the same time that I did. He got he had worse than me, honestly, Yeah, me and him, we're really good friends. We're literally the same age too, all right, But he had it worse than me. Like, I think they favored me a lot because when when they were wanted me to be in the entertainment, right, and they put me in that group, right, They're like, hey, Anthony, we have a plan for you. We want you to be like getting the produced one and won the new season. I forgot which season it is, right, right, They're like, hey, we want you to be in the new season. You're not gonna win obviously, because I don't think you're as good enough as many people, right, And I don't. I didn't think I was good enough either. I was like, there's nobody I can do like that. But they're like, hey, we're gonna get your name out there, right and do all this stuff, right, but like there's no that just trained for that, you know, make sure you get like improved fast, because this is gonna happen, like in the year span. That's like after a year, that's when we're gonna start like recording everything, and that's when we start filming the thing. You have to like like you know, get ready right, walk in. And I was like, okay, bet, and so that was my opportunity. And I think that's just because I was like a foreigner. I can speak English, I can speak someone Korean, but they saw me as like a cute, funny kid, right, and they're like, oh, this is perfect for TV, right, And so that that was that was my I guess that was like my my future journey. I've had myself. So I was just training and doing that. The other guy, I've got nothing bro, was just like evaluate and it's like okay, next, you know what I mean that that's what he was going through.

Yeah. Yeah, you're literally the least prioritized. And then it's the other people that has been here the long like the longest longest, right, right, And I guess people that they see has more potential, right. But luckily for me, right, there was another guy that actually joined in at the same time that I did. He got he had worse than me, honestly, Yeah, me and him, we're really good friends. We're literally the same age too, all right, But he had it worse than me. Like, I think they favored me a lot because when when they were wanted me to be in the entertainment, right, and they put me in that group, right, They're like, hey, Anthony, we have a plan for you. We want you to be like getting the produced one and won the new season. I forgot which season it is, right, right, They're like, hey, we want you to be in the new season. You're not gonna win obviously, because I don't think you're as good enough as many people, right, And I don't. I didn't think I was good enough either. I was like, there's nobody I can do like that. But they're like, hey, we're gonna get your name out there, right and do all this stuff, right, but like there's no that just trained for that, you know, make sure you get like improved fast, because this is gonna happen, like in the year span. That's like after a year, that's when we're gonna start like recording everything, and that's when we start filming the thing. You have to like like you know, get ready right, walk in. And I was like, okay, bet, and so that was my opportunity. And I think that's just because I was like a foreigner. I can speak English, I can speak someone Korean, but they saw me as like a cute, funny kid, right, and they're like, oh, this is perfect for TV, right, And so that that was that was my I guess that was like my my future journey. I've had myself. So I was just training and doing that. The other guy, I've got nothing bro, was just like evaluate and it's like okay, next, you know what I mean that that's what he was going through.

They move to Korea and and and they're doing these evaluations. They're taking the train two hours, but there's no hope for them to debut, you know, and the but then like there's kind of like derailing the whole life for like no reason almost you know.

They move to Korea and and and they're doing these evaluations. They're taking the train two hours, but there's no hope for them to debut, you know, and the but then like there's kind of like derailing the whole life for like no reason almost you know.

Yeah, pretty much. I mean yeah, because a lot of the trainees, like none of them like yeah, like you said, they don't debut and I know a lot of my friends that you never debuted as well, So what what happened?

Yeah, pretty much. I mean yeah, because a lot of the trainees, like none of them like yeah, like you said, they don't debut and I know a lot of my friends that you never debuted as well, So what what happened?

Like, what what led you back to America after like this whole training thing?

Like, what what led you back to America after like this whole training thing?

So pretty much, well, lend me back was so my. Uh So someone was looking for me because my old dance facility they uploaded some videos for something I don't know, I don't remember entirely, but someone was looking for me who shall not be named, right, okay, but they just pretty much said, oh, I'm making American K pop entertainment label or something like that. So then I got called to go there, right. I didn't want to, right, but because I was under age, right and everything like that, my parents obviously from a parents' point of view, they want me to like just come back to America and live with them and everything, right, even if it cost me my verythe tation but whatever, who cares. It's in the past now, right. But I got into that label, right. I didn't want to sign with them, but I mean I had to. I was like, you know what, I'll give them my all whatever. There were some things in the contract and everything that I thought I had a safe nut under, but it didn't. And they also I guess that was a misunderstanding, right with the with my schoolwork as well. The boss told me to do this school program, which I did. Uh, it was not credited at all, right, and so I essentially was two years three two to three years behind school. And so when I went to an actual school and tried to get my credits for the time I did do school during that time, I had no credits. Right.

So pretty much, well, lend me back was so my. Uh So someone was looking for me because my old dance facility they uploaded some videos for something I don't know, I don't remember entirely, but someone was looking for me who shall not be named, right, okay, but they just pretty much said, oh, I'm making American K pop entertainment label or something like that. So then I got called to go there, right. I didn't want to, right, but because I was under age, right and everything like that, my parents obviously from a parents' point of view, they want me to like just come back to America and live with them and everything, right, even if it cost me my verythe tation but whatever, who cares. It's in the past now, right. But I got into that label, right. I didn't want to sign with them, but I mean I had to. I was like, you know what, I'll give them my all whatever. There were some things in the contract and everything that I thought I had a safe nut under, but it didn't. And they also I guess that was a misunderstanding, right with the with my schoolwork as well. The boss told me to do this school program, which I did. Uh, it was not credited at all, right, and so I essentially was two years three two to three years behind school. And so when I went to an actual school and tried to get my credits for the time I did do school during that time, I had no credits. Right.

First of all, First of all, this thinks okay, but I want you to know that I don't think you deserve the credits from Korea anyway.

First of all, First of all, this thinks okay, but I want you to know that I don't think you deserve the credits from Korea anyway.

You told me that from though it's not from Korea, it was from an actual American homeschool thing. Oh oh, yeah, that I differ two to three years. Yeah, that one I did for two three years, and I tried to go to an actual American school, right, and then they could accredit me because that program was not credible. Pretty much, so I wasted two three years, right, And essentially I actually joined school as a senior as a freshman, like I'm a senior about a freshman pretty much, wow, And I would try to do school and everything right. But then I mean I had to drop out because I was turning nineteen, right, and so I had to drop out and I just took the gd which I actually got last year. So yeah, I finally got my GV last year like beginning of last year. So I was like set on that right.

You told me that from though it's not from Korea, it was from an actual American homeschool thing. Oh oh, yeah, that I differ two to three years. Yeah, that one I did for two three years, and I tried to go to an actual American school, right, and then they could accredit me because that program was not credible. Pretty much, so I wasted two three years, right, And essentially I actually joined school as a senior as a freshman, like I'm a senior about a freshman pretty much, wow, And I would try to do school and everything right. But then I mean I had to drop out because I was turning nineteen, right, and so I had to drop out and I just took the gd which I actually got last year. So yeah, I finally got my GV last year like beginning of last year. So I was like set on that right.

But pretty much the.

But pretty much the.

Training, I mean you were, I mean we were both there right at the American Label. Yeah, it was, it was, it was, it was it was something right, it was where we met. Yeah, exactly, that's where you met. That's when we got all close and everything. You know, we went to Baldino's Yo, like crying like oh my god. Yeah, that was that's when all experience happened.

Training, I mean you were, I mean we were both there right at the American Label. Yeah, it was, it was, it was, it was it was something right, it was where we met. Yeah, exactly, that's where you met. That's when we got all close and everything. You know, we went to Baldino's Yo, like crying like oh my god. Yeah, that was that's when all experience happened.

And that's why I like I thought, like to invite you onto this podcast because I saw all the stuff that you were going through in like school and like all this stuff. I was like, damn, like like he really got pushed back like four.

And that's why I like I thought, like to invite you onto this podcast because I saw all the stuff that you were going through in like school and like all this stuff. I was like, damn, like like he really got pushed back like four.

Whole years in school because of the whole thing.

Whole years in school because of the whole thing.

You know. Yeah, pretty much pretty much.

You know. Yeah, pretty much pretty much.

Yeah, And it's like like, if if you could if you could give advice to someone who's listening right now, if there was a kid who's like, oh my god, like maybe maybe he or she is thirteen years old, and like they they they want to pursue a dream in k pop, and like, what would you say to this person?

Yeah, And it's like like, if if you could if you could give advice to someone who's listening right now, if there was a kid who's like, oh my god, like maybe maybe he or she is thirteen years old, and like they they they want to pursue a dream in k pop, and like, what would you say to this person?

Always just have a backup plan, right, I would say one thing with our other boss, right or our boss right. One thing that didn't make sense to me was that whoever tells you you have to put all this in there shouldn't be a backup plan. I think that's the most BS thing that anyone can say. You can still give your all into doing k pop, right, like you should if you really want to make this into your career, right, But if someone tells you you should not have a backup plan, I'm just like, that makes no sense because let's say you don't have control of what you can do. You can just try and you know what I mean. But let's say, hypothetically, if you're one of those trainees that just trained for years and then you just don't have anything up for it, right, Like, what are you gonna do? You know, if you don't have a backup plan, if you don't finish school and everything, like, what are you gonna do? You know, if you don't pass high school, which that almost was me, you know, but luckily I did the GD I got it, I passed it and everything, so I was good and even now, like you know, my backup plan right now is I'm actually a teacher at a new studio called K Dance Studios, right, an amazing studio. We're growing so fast in Georgia, Atlanta, right, John scrag everything right?

Always just have a backup plan, right, I would say one thing with our other boss, right or our boss right. One thing that didn't make sense to me was that whoever tells you you have to put all this in there shouldn't be a backup plan. I think that's the most BS thing that anyone can say. You can still give your all into doing k pop, right, like you should if you really want to make this into your career, right, But if someone tells you you should not have a backup plan, I'm just like, that makes no sense because let's say you don't have control of what you can do. You can just try and you know what I mean. But let's say, hypothetically, if you're one of those trainees that just trained for years and then you just don't have anything up for it, right, Like, what are you gonna do? You know, if you don't have a backup plan, if you don't finish school and everything, like, what are you gonna do? You know, if you don't pass high school, which that almost was me, you know, but luckily I did the GD I got it, I passed it and everything, so I was good and even now, like you know, my backup plan right now is I'm actually a teacher at a new studio called K Dance Studios, right, an amazing studio. We're growing so fast in Georgia, Atlanta, right, John scrag everything right?

What's their Instagram handle?

What's their Instagram handle?

Instagram? It's let me let me, let me show it to you right now. As a matter of fact, it's, uh, you're ready for this all right? Act So KAY Dance Studio underscore, right, amazing studio. The boss there, he has a big background of backup dancing background, danced for Chris Brown, like Ussher and all those big people, even all these other teachers that have a huge background. We have a dude, we have an ex j pop idol too here right, Like that was essentially my backup. But what I'm so happy about is even when I went through that training right in the American label, I actually met the boss, like my dance boss from there, right, So I still got something good out of everything, right, But I guess back to like what the advice is, always have a backup, right, and you have to really make sure are you willing to put like you're all through it. You're gonna have some hatters. You're gonna have some people that are gonna like see all these things about you, right, you can't let it get to your head, right, because even when I was doing this stuff, right, there was a lot of people like that were like fake friends to me and said that I wasn't never going to be like a good trainee and all that stuff like that. Right, you got to keep a good mental you know, you just get push through all that stuff, you know, and please, I cannot reorate with this stuff. Have a backup plan. If you don't, you're gonna just set yourself up for failure. You really are, so I guess that's my my my advice for everything like that.

Instagram? It's let me let me, let me show it to you right now. As a matter of fact, it's, uh, you're ready for this all right? Act So KAY Dance Studio underscore, right, amazing studio. The boss there, he has a big background of backup dancing background, danced for Chris Brown, like Ussher and all those big people, even all these other teachers that have a huge background. We have a dude, we have an ex j pop idol too here right, Like that was essentially my backup. But what I'm so happy about is even when I went through that training right in the American label, I actually met the boss, like my dance boss from there, right, So I still got something good out of everything, right, But I guess back to like what the advice is, always have a backup, right, and you have to really make sure are you willing to put like you're all through it. You're gonna have some hatters. You're gonna have some people that are gonna like see all these things about you, right, you can't let it get to your head, right, because even when I was doing this stuff, right, there was a lot of people like that were like fake friends to me and said that I wasn't never going to be like a good trainee and all that stuff like that. Right, you got to keep a good mental you know, you just get push through all that stuff, you know, and please, I cannot reorate with this stuff. Have a backup plan. If you don't, you're gonna just set yourself up for failure. You really are, so I guess that's my my my advice for everything like that.

But like basically you're like you're you're saying, like, always have a backup plan, and things aren't always going to go the way that you expect it. And if you're coming from a similar position where you're gonna be an international trainee and you're moving far away, you're gonna be lonely.

But like basically you're like you're you're saying, like, always have a backup plan, and things aren't always going to go the way that you expect it. And if you're coming from a similar position where you're gonna be an international trainee and you're moving far away, you're gonna be lonely.

You're gonna have.

You're gonna have.

To like go through things that a lot of people don't around you don't understand. The people at home aren't going to understand, and then you have to kind of push through and like, remember why you're doing it exactly? Ask what was it that motivated you to keep going?

To like go through things that a lot of people don't around you don't understand. The people at home aren't going to understand, and then you have to kind of push through and like, remember why you're doing it exactly? Ask what was it that motivated you to keep going?

Oh? One is like not only because I want to perform, right, but my parents have done so much for me in my like because we were like little they were literally like immigrants, right. We start from the motom right. We lived in a one bedroom apartment and everything. I see how hard they worked right to get us to the place that we are. Essentially, it's like, sure, I want to perform. I love creating music, I love doing all this stuff. Right, And also on top of that, it's like like I also do want to like retire my family, you know, and everything like that. I don't want them to worry about like money or anything like that. And also because I want to make my dad proud because he also told me when I was very young, He's like, I feel like you're going to go some places, you know, because he because when I was a little kid, I actually like played piano by myself, right, Like I was like, I like, I just watch YouTube videos of people playing and I would just mean the prodigy.

Oh? One is like not only because I want to perform, right, but my parents have done so much for me in my like because we were like little they were literally like immigrants, right. We start from the motom right. We lived in a one bedroom apartment and everything. I see how hard they worked right to get us to the place that we are. Essentially, it's like, sure, I want to perform. I love creating music, I love doing all this stuff. Right, And also on top of that, it's like like I also do want to like retire my family, you know, and everything like that. I don't want them to worry about like money or anything like that. And also because I want to make my dad proud because he also told me when I was very young, He's like, I feel like you're going to go some places, you know, because he because when I was a little kid, I actually like played piano by myself, right, Like I was like, I like, I just watch YouTube videos of people playing and I would just mean the prodigy.

You're being super humble, but you're like a prodigy, Like it's pretty incredible.

You're being super humble, but you're like a prodigy, Like it's pretty incredible.

I wouldn't say that, no, no, no, because I mean, like I mean I stopped producing and everything like that. It's it's been a minute.

I wouldn't say that, no, no, no, because I mean, like I mean I stopped producing and everything like that. It's it's been a minute.

I was there. I was like, oh my god, guys literally sorry, yeah.

I was there. I was like, oh my god, guys literally sorry, yeah.

But I mean yeah, I just did like little piano and everything. My dad really pushed me to become like in the music business, right. He knew there's something in me, right, and he's like, I literally feel like you can do something out of this, right, And so that's what pushed me, you know. It's like all these people like pushed me right to become the person that I am during that time and as I am today, right, I still have that goal of like retiring my parents and everything like that, you know, and essentially, yeah, that's I just want to like care for my family and like make a difference in the world. Right. And I was like so close because I was going to produce, produce, I was gonna debut, debut and see the produce one one thing, right, But then it was just really discouraging the fact that I got taken away just like that, you know, and then I was stuck in the American thing. I was most depressed moments of my life one hundred percent I was going through. You were literally there, and I was to you every day. I'm just like, oh my god, I'm I'm gonna crash out, bro, And You're just like, no, no, you're good. You're good. Bro, You're good, You're good. No, no, no, no, Let's go get some fun. Let's get some Baldino's real quick, you know. So yeah, no, but I've met a lot of good people. I met you, I met Mike Young right the beatas backup dancer. I met my boss, right, I met a lot of great people from all this. So I guess, I guess if let's say some people some people out someone out there is that's some thing's been in someone my situation. Try to take the dif from bed right, trying to make like the bads, you know, just sign where that all right, you can move on from it, all right, but take the different.

But I mean yeah, I just did like little piano and everything. My dad really pushed me to become like in the music business, right. He knew there's something in me, right, and he's like, I literally feel like you can do something out of this, right, And so that's what pushed me, you know. It's like all these people like pushed me right to become the person that I am during that time and as I am today, right, I still have that goal of like retiring my parents and everything like that, you know, and essentially, yeah, that's I just want to like care for my family and like make a difference in the world. Right. And I was like so close because I was going to produce, produce, I was gonna debut, debut and see the produce one one thing, right, But then it was just really discouraging the fact that I got taken away just like that, you know, and then I was stuck in the American thing. I was most depressed moments of my life one hundred percent I was going through. You were literally there, and I was to you every day. I'm just like, oh my god, I'm I'm gonna crash out, bro, And You're just like, no, no, you're good. You're good. Bro, You're good, You're good. No, no, no, no, Let's go get some fun. Let's get some Baldino's real quick, you know. So yeah, no, but I've met a lot of good people. I met you, I met Mike Young right the beatas backup dancer. I met my boss, right, I met a lot of great people from all this. So I guess, I guess if let's say some people some people out someone out there is that's some thing's been in someone my situation. Try to take the dif from bed right, trying to make like the bads, you know, just sign where that all right, you can move on from it, all right, but take the different.

The situations are gonna happen, and like it's never a straight road to the end. And I was actually thinking about your story when I was in Korea because I experienced something super super similar, like uh like they were like, okay, uh this kids, he's international, he's born Chinese. And then there's a there's a sur bival show program that was coming up.

The situations are gonna happen, and like it's never a straight road to the end. And I was actually thinking about your story when I was in Korea because I experienced something super super similar, like uh like they were like, okay, uh this kids, he's international, he's born Chinese. And then there's a there's a sur bival show program that was coming up.

I remember you talked about that.

I remember you talked about that.

Yeah. Yeah. It was a huge show, the biggest one in China. And then they casted me directly and they're like, okay, uh you Bohan, We're gonna change your name to Bohan.

Yeah. Yeah. It was a huge show, the biggest one in China. And then they casted me directly and they're like, okay, uh you Bohan, We're gonna change your name to Bohan.

You know, I'm gonna debut in China.

You know, I'm gonna debut in China.

And I'm like, you're gonna start training for all this stuff, right, So we went through a special training program for this show and they're like, Okay, this training has this opportunity to do this.

And I'm like, you're gonna start training for all this stuff, right, So we went through a special training program for this show and they're like, Okay, this training has this opportunity to do this.

And then COVID came and.

And then COVID came and.

Then like they they denied all visas from America and Korea, and then just like that, everything started crumbling down. And then now my company didn't have a backup plan, and I didn't have a backup plan, you know. And then and then a bunch of trainees during that time got sent home. And that was also like the most depressing time of my life too. I was like walking around, I was sitting in shopping carts listening to like Barbin Room by Drake and my headphone up to the Rose, you know, and it's like, just like that, I would have been down too, Like I would have not have gone to college you know, and then I would have to go home and like find a new thing. But then for me, like my backup plan, like like it's funny that you episide backup plan so much like my backup plan with social media, you know, I was like, Okay, I'm gonna start a TikTok. Then watch this like I'm not gonna let you take this away from me. I'm gonna start people doing this like you're like, Okay, I'm gonna dance, you know. And then that my TikTok like exploded, and my company like they're like, yo, like we can do something out of this. And then from that backup plan, we we built everything that we have now, right And you bro.

Then like they they denied all visas from America and Korea, and then just like that, everything started crumbling down. And then now my company didn't have a backup plan, and I didn't have a backup plan, you know. And then and then a bunch of trainees during that time got sent home. And that was also like the most depressing time of my life too. I was like walking around, I was sitting in shopping carts listening to like Barbin Room by Drake and my headphone up to the Rose, you know, and it's like, just like that, I would have been down too, Like I would have not have gone to college you know, and then I would have to go home and like find a new thing. But then for me, like my backup plan, like like it's funny that you episide backup plan so much like my backup plan with social media, you know, I was like, Okay, I'm gonna start a TikTok. Then watch this like I'm not gonna let you take this away from me. I'm gonna start people doing this like you're like, Okay, I'm gonna dance, you know. And then that my TikTok like exploded, and my company like they're like, yo, like we can do something out of this. And then from that backup plan, we we built everything that we have now, right And you bro.

Man, I remember like like again, we would go so far back from the Meriton label and everything, and I've just seen you girl. I'm just like, damn, what a guy. What a guy. I'm so proud of him, you know.