We usually aren’t introduced to K-Pop idols until they make their official debut on stage, but theses idols were first seen on television through dramas, variety show, or movies. Before they made their debut as idols, they already had experience in the entertainment industry as actors/actresses – whether as small children or teens. In this article, Channel-Korea will show you some of your favorite K-Pop idols who were seen on TV before they became an idol. Stay tuned!
Arirang’s ‘100 Icons of Korean Culture’ (Seventeen’s Vernon)
The TV program 100 Icons of Korean Culture by Arirang is about exploring 100 icons that represent Korea’s 5000-year history, its traditions, and its modern culture. The TV show explains about all the diverse icons, including the ethnic, religious, artistic, historic, and more. Pre-debut Vernon from Seventeen makes an appearances on that Arirang TV program. It was recorded on 2013. On that episode, Vernon and some other kids were trying to explain the meaning of “Hyo” (The duty between parents and children) in Korea. Here’s some screen captures of Vernon on 100 Icons of Korean Culture. Check the video here:
SBS’s ‘Star King’ (ASTRO’s Moonbin)
Moonbin appeared in SBS Star King as Mini DBSK – UKnow Yunho (2007). SBS Star King is a South Korean television show which first aired on January 13, 2007, on the SBS network. Star King was the first TV show in Korea to run both online and on television simultaneously. The show allows viewers upload videos of unusual events and stories to the official website. People and animals with unusual talents are then invited onto the program after being selected from these videos. The audience votes for their favorite person, video, or story, and prize money is awarded to the contestant who receives the most votes. Moonbin showed his great skills in acting on Star King. He also appeared on TVXQ’s music video for “Balloons”. He appeared as as mini-Yunho on the music video. In a interview, Moonbin stated, “TVXQ sunbaenims are forever stars in my heart. I dreamed of becoming a singer watching TVXQ, so I want to be like them in the future. I have never met them again since the MV filming when I was little, but if given the chance, I really want to perform with them on stage.” He added, “Not too long ago we performed ‘Balloons’, and it was refreshing. I was also happy to perform the song by the sunbaes I admire. I felt like I was showing them that I have grown up well.” Check the video here:
KBS’s Kids (NCT Dream’s Jisung)
KBS Kids is a South Korean channel that airs children’s programs. The channel launched in 2012. NCT’s Jisung was part of the show prior to his debut. https://twitter.com/minrinchoi13/status/1117742150106509314 Recently, NCT’s Jisung came to KBS TV 유치원. They releasedhis reaction to his pre-debut era & more behind the scenes story on Monday, August 15, 2019. Check the video here:
