Is PLEDIS Looking for the Next Wonder Teen? (Plus, Why the Comments Section is on Fire)

Source: PLEDIS Audition Official Social Media (AI Generated)

 

K-pop hopefuls, mark your calendars! PLEDIS Entertainment, the powerhouse behind SEVENTEEN and TWS, has just dropped the details for their upcoming "2026 PLEDIS AUDITION WONDER TEENS IN KOREA." If you were born after 2008 and dream of commanding the stage, this might be your shot.

But while the announcement is exciting for aspiring idols, the comments section tells a very different, more complicated story involving NewJeans and HYBE. Here is everything you need to know about the audition—and the controversy surrounding it.

1. The Audition: 2026 WONDER TEENS IN KOREA

PLEDIS is hitting the road to find the next generation of talent. They are seeking teens with potential in Vocal, Rap, Dance, Modeling, or Acting. If you’ve been practicing in front of your mirror, now is the time to prepare.

📋 Eligibility & Key Details:

• Age Limit: Anyone born after 2008 (2009, 2010... etc).
• Nationality/Gender: Not specified (Open to all).
• Registration:
  - Pre-registration: Open now until Feb 22, 2026.
  - On-site: Available 2 PM - 4 PM on audition days.

City	Date (2026)	Deadline
Gwangju	February 13	Apply by Feb 12
Busan	February 14	Apply by Feb 13
Seoul	February 21 - 22	Apply by Feb 20

2. The Reaction: "Return Danielle" & The HYBE Conflict

While an audition announcement usually sparks excitement and nervousness from potential applicants, the comment section on this post has been overtaken by a wave of protest. Instead of questions about songs or dance covers, the top comments are flooded with the hashtag #ReturnDanielle and images saying "NO DANIELLE, NO NEWJEANS."

What is happening?
Fans are using this platform to voice their anger towards HYBE (the parent company of PLEDIS) regarding the ongoing situation with NewJeans and their member Danielle. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with fans demanding the return of Danielle and expressing solidarity with NewJeans.

3. Key Takeaways from the Comments

The reaction offers a fascinating glimpse into the current state of K-pop fandoms.

• Protest Spam: Multiple users are copy-pasting "RETURN DANIELLE" and sharing "No Minji and Danielle" graphics, effectively drowning out regular inquiries.
• Conflict of Interest: Some aspiring idols are conflicted between their dreams and their morals. One user, @Tetoo💙, commented:
  "I want to debut, but I’m from Guatemala... but I’m a OT5 supporter (NewJeans), so I’m really sorry HYBE."
• Age Shock: Many fans are realizing how young the new generation of trainees is. Comments like "2008?? What about 2005-2007? We're not that old..." and "I need to wait 4 more years" show the shifting age gap in K-pop.

Conclusion

The 2026 PLEDIS Audition represents a huge opportunity for young talent born after 2008. However, it is launching in the middle of a heated conflict between fandoms and the agency's parent company. For PLEDIS, finding the next "Wonder Teen" might be the goal, but ignoring the noise from the current K-pop community will be impossible.

Q&A

Q1. I was born in 2007. Can I apply?Unfortunately, no. The eligibility explicitly states "Born after 2008," meaning the oldest applicants allowed are those born in 2009.

Q2. Is this audition only for Koreans?No. While the audition locations are in Korea (Seoul, Busan, Gwangju), the eligibility regarding nationality is not restricted.

Q3. Why are people commenting about Danielle?Fans are protesting against HYBE's treatment of NewJeans. Since PLEDIS is a label under HYBE, fans are using PLEDIS's official channels to make their voices heard.

Source: PLEDIS Audition Official Social Media