Andxo·2026년 6월 23일·2026년 9월 22일 수정2026년 9월 기준 정보
If you're dreaming of a K-pop career, you've probably asked yourself this question at least once: which company should I audition for — HYBE, SM, YG, or JYP? Each agency has its own philosophy, training system, and debut route. Here's a complete comparison based on where things stand in 2026.
📋 Quick summary
HYBE — global infrastructure, multiple label options | SM — top-tier performance and vocal training | YG — in-house hip-hop/R&B production strength | JYP — natural personality and teamwork focus
| Criteria | HYBE | SM | YG | JYP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training length | Varies by label | Long-term (3–7 years) | Long-term | Short-to-mid term |
| Debut format | Varies by label | Large groups/survival | Small, select units | Mid-sized groups |
| Strong genres | Pop/hip-hop/R&B/idol | Performance-driven idol pop | Hip-hop, R&B, pop | Performance pop |
| Global recognition | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| 2026 audition status | Offline Oct 3 – Dec 5 (male) | Global auditions across 21 regions | Global tour, Oct in US/Taiwan/Hong Kong | Rolling online, no age limit |
HYBE isn't a single label — it's a label ecosystem. BIGHIT MUSIC (BTS, TXT), PLEDIS (SEVENTEEN), BELIFT LAB (ENHYPEN, ILLIT), SOURCE MUSIC (Le Sserafim), KOZ (ZICO), and more all coexist under one roof, each with its own direction.
Applicants still exploring which genre or style suits them, or anyone aiming for a global career from the start.
SM is the company that designed the K-pop idol system in the first place. It prioritizes "flawless performance" above all else, and its training intensity and duration rank among the highest in the industry.
EXO, Girls' Generation, TVXQ, NCT, aespa, Red Velvet, SHINee, BoA
Applicants who prioritize technical perfection and are ready to commit to a long training period — especially those whose vocal or dance skills are already at a high level.
YG sees in-house production ability as a core asset. From BIGBANG to BLACKPINK, WINNER, and iKON, YG artists are known for taking part directly in their own creative work.
BIGBANG, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, WINNER, iKON, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER
Applicants who love hip-hop and R&B and have creative skills in lyric-writing or composition — people with a distinct style and strong individuality.
JYP emphasizes "authenticity" and "natural charm" more than the other agencies. Founder Park Jin-young has publicly said he "prefers genuine personality over rehearsed charm."
2PM, Wonder Girls, GOT7, TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX, DAY6
💡 JYP has no deadline
JYP's online audition is open year-round, with no age, gender, or nationality restrictions. It's the lowest-barrier channel among the Big4, so you can submit here while you're waiting on other agencies' schedules.
| Question | Recommended agency |
|---|---|
| I already have strong dance/vocal skills | SM, JYP |
| I'm strong in hip-hop, rap, or producing | YG, HYBE (KOZ) |
| I want a global fanbase from day one | HYBE |
| I have a strong, natural personality and work well in a team | JYP |
| I'm willing to commit to a long training period | SM |
| I'm still exploring which genre/style suits me | HYBE |
No. Applying to multiple agencies at once is common. Many successful trainees have applied to several companies simultaneously. Slightly tailoring your video to each agency's audition style is a valid strategy.
| Agency | Channel | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| HYBE (Bighit) | bighitaudition.com | Online through 12/5, offline 10/3–12/5 (15 regions, walk-in) |
| JYP | audition.jype.com | Rolling admission, year-round (no age/gender/nationality limit) |
| SM | audition.smtown.com | 2026 SM Global Audition, 21 regions (born 2007–2015) |
| YG | yg-audition.com | Global tour July–December, October: US, Taiwan, Hong Kong (born 2008–2015) |
📺 Big4 trainee interviews
Trainees who made it into each company share their own audition prep stories
▶ Watch on YouTubeQ: Which of the Big4 has the highest pass rate? A: No agency publishes pass-rate data. Since the number of applicants and selection criteria differ across companies, it's more useful to pick the agency that matches your strengths than to chase a "pass rate."
Q: Can I apply to the Big4 without speaking Korean? A: Yes. HYBE and JYP in particular actively recruit international applicants. Korean fluency is not a requirement at the audition stage.
Q: Is there an age limit? A: It varies by company and track. JYP's boy-group track targets those born 2008–2016, while HYBE India's general track accepts anyone born in 2007 or later. Always check each agency's official site before applying.
🎤 Complete K-Pop Audition Guide
See every agency's audition schedule and how to apply →
K-POPBIGHIT MUSIC runs offline auditions Oct 3–Dec 5 across 15 regions with same-day walk-in registration, online through Dec 5, for males born 2008 or later. How HYBE labels differ, what each accepts, and how to submit.
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K-POPA 2026 audition guide for KOZ Entertainment, the HYBE hip-hop/R&B label led by ZICO. If you have self-producing ability as an artist, this one's worth your attention.
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