2026년 5월 1일2026년 5월 기준 정보
K-pop audition season is in full swing — and the first week of May 2026 alone is packed. Here's a quick breakdown of every K-pop audition opportunity and industry event happening right now, from JYP's US tour stop days away to a brand-new idol survival show hitting screens next week.
If you want the full picture of what's open across all agencies, check the 2026 K-pop audition calendar — it's updated as new dates are announced.
JYP Entertainment's global open audition The Heat launched back in March, and it's now hitting its North American leg. The California stop takes place May 2, 2026 — this Friday — making it the most time-sensitive opportunity on this list.
Who can apply:
May schedule at a glance:
| Date | City |
|---|---|
| May 2 | California, USA |
| May 9 | Tokyo, Japan |
| May 16 | Sydney, Australia |
| May 23 | Melbourne, Australia |
| May 31 | Seoul, South Korea |
Applications must be submitted at audition.jype.com at least 3 days before the target city's date. If you missed California, Tokyo on the 9th is the next chance — and you still have time to apply.
JYP has consistently used its global auditions to find international trainees who eventually debut in groups like Stray Kids, TWICE, and ITZY. The Heat continues that tradition, with a focus on raw potential over polished performance.
Walking in unprepared is the fastest way to get a short evaluation. Here's what past JYP open audition participants report being asked to do:
One thing experienced applicants consistently mention: confidence matters more than perfection. The Heat is specifically designed to find people who haven't been polished by years of training yet — so don't try to hide your rough edges. Show them what you've got.
One of the most talked-about upcoming K-pop productions just got its premiere date: THE SCOUT: STARS REBORN debuts on ENA on May 8, 2026.
The show follows a talent scouting format where entertainment professionals travel across Korea searching for undiscovered performers. Unlike traditional survival shows where contestants compete directly against each other, THE SCOUT's "Stars Reborn" concept reportedly focuses on artists who have previously debuted or trained but never broke through — giving them a genuine second chance at a debut under a major label.
The format is generating real buzz on social media, particularly from fans who are tired of the typical "already-polished trainee" pipeline that dominates most survival shows. If THE SCOUT delivers on its premise, it could become one of the more interesting audition-adjacent programs of 2026.
Viewing options:
If you're not actively auditioning right now but want to stay connected to the K-pop industry, this is the show to follow this spring.
HYBE's label ADOR held its 2026 Boys Global Audition across 11 cities through April. The global stops — including Vancouver, New York, Toronto, and LA in early April — have now wrapped.
Full city list (completed):
| City | Date |
|---|---|
| Seoul | March 21 |
| Busan | March 22 |
| Singapore | March 28 |
| Osaka | April 4 |
| Tokyo | April 5 |
| Vancouver | April 10 |
| New York | April 10 |
| Toronto | April 12 |
| Los Angeles | April 12 |
| Sydney | April 18 |
| Melbourne | April 19 |
Key requirements (for reference):
While the in-person city tour is over, ADOR has not announced whether online submissions remain open. Check the official site for current status. Given that ADOR is a relatively new HYBE label — created as the home for NewJeans before that situation changed — any group they debut will be watched closely by the entire industry.
SM's 2026 global audition tour is still running, with stops across 21 cities spanning Korea, Thailand, Japan, China, the US, and Australia. If you've been following this cycle, you'll know SM has been especially active on social platforms this year — short-form content from current SM trainees has been driving a lot of discovery for the audition.
SM's evaluation criteria are famously distinct from other agencies. They look for what insiders call the "SM look" — not a specific visual type, but a combination of stage presence, versatility, and the ability to embody a concept. Trainees who debut at SM are expected to master multiple disciplines, so showcasing range in your audition (even at a basic level) signals you understand what you're walking into.
For a deeper breakdown of what SM looks for and how to prepare specifically for their audition style, this April 2026 audition roundup covers SM alongside the other Big 4 agencies.
If you're looking to move on any of these opportunities right now, here's a practical action list:
JYP The Heat (deadline: May 2 California, May 6 for Tokyo):
SM Entertainment:
ADOR:
| Event | Date | Where |
|---|---|---|
| JYP The Heat — California | May 2 (Friday) | California, USA |
| THE SCOUT: STARS REBORN premiere | May 8 (Thursday) | ENA (Korea) |
| JYP The Heat — Tokyo | May 9 | Tokyo, Japan |
| JYP The Heat — Sydney | May 16 | Sydney, Australia |
Whether you're looking to audition or just tracking the industry, this first week of May is unusually active. JYP's California stop is the most urgent opportunity on this list — if you're anywhere near the US West Coast and meet the age requirements, this Friday is your window.
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▶ 2026 K-Pop Audition Calendar 전체 보기
Sources: JYP Entertainment official audition site, SM Entertainment, ADOR, ENA broadcast schedule. Information current as of May 1, 2026.
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