Popular Group, Apink’s members Park Chorong and Oh Hayoung both recalled and talked about their harsh trainee and early debutant days. When they appeared on a special interview video, with Super Junior members Donghae and Eunhyuk, where both get vocal about their days as trainees. Both members have talked about their past struggles with honesty during the interview – they shared about their diet, strict rountine and body management pressure. The group Apink was formed in the year 2011, consisting of five members: Chorong, Oh Hayoung, Bomi, Eunji, and Namjoo.
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Park Chorong and Oh Hayoung on Trainee Days
Apink debuted on April 19, 2011, with an EP (Extended Play), Seven Springs of Apink. Both artists shared heartfelt memories and revealed a hidden side of an idol journey – their strict evaluation, financial uncertainty, emotional pressure, and physical exhaustion. The senior idols have revealed something which left behind the glamorous veil that the K-Pop industry has used to highlight. When they entered the training systems, both the idols were very young, and they had to go through a very rigorous training. As in the K-Pop industry, trainees follow a rigid schedule, have to undergo daily evaluations, and often live in dorms.
During the episode, when Donghae said, “You guys haven’t changed at all,” Chorong replied, “Sunbaes haven’t changed either,” keeping the mood lighthearted. Eunhyuk added with a knowing joke, “We only say this among ourselves. When the same generation gathers, we say ‘you’re still the same.’”
When Eunhyuk asked, “Did you follow an extreme diet at the beginning of your debut?”
Hayoung admitted it honestly, “Yes. Back then, we were quite chubby,” sharing the pressure that, to survive in the industry, it’s important for people to maintain a visually appealing presence.
Chorong also explained how the emotional weight of responsibility felt heavy even before debut.
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As she became Apink leader, she felt pressure to remain strong for others. However, she admitted yes, there are nights filled with self-doubt – questioning whether she was talented enough or whether the day of debut would ever come.
They also revealed specific diet methods. Chorong recalled, “I only ate salad vegetables without dressing and did a lemon detox. I squeezed a lot of lemons and drank them.” Hayoung added, “I even hid snacks in the hat on my doll’s head,” evoking sympathy. When Chorong said, “I got caught once and got a serious scolding,” Hayoung calmly shared her hardship: “I was in the third year of middle school and felt really sad.”
Chorong said, “We were raised very strictly. Since there were also minors at that time, management was necessary,” then added maturely, “Looking back now, some of it made sense. We didn’t have guardians with us.”
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Growth through hardship
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Chorong and Hayoung didn’t romanticise the hardship; yes, they have expressed their gratitude toward the years of their hardship. As it helped in shaping the artist into what they are today, the result of their hardship and struggling days, it is an important part of their journey, according to Chorong. She highlighted the point during the interview that struggle taught her empathy. For the newcomers, Chorong advised that they enter the industry with realistic expectations and a strong mental preparation. According to her, discipline and resilience also play a vital role, or we can say theyare equally vital.
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South Korea and its trainee system
In South Korea, K-pop’s trainee system was most talked about due to its structured, strict management and talent development system. Companies invest heavily in vocal coaches, dance trainers, language classes, and media training to polish newcomers. However, there are many critics who argue that these trainee systems need to improve their mental health support and need to increase financial transparency.
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In recent years, the conversation around mental health and well-being has become more vocal. As senior artists like Chorong and Hayoung started sharing their experiences on larger platforms, which helped newcomers to normalise the discussions around burnout, anxiety, and pressure. The honesty of senior idols helps in a healthier dialogue between companies and fans.
Frequently Answered Questions
When did Apink debut?
Girl Group Apink debuted in April 2011 with a mini-album Seven Springs of Apink and the title track “I Don’t Know.”
How long were Park Chorong and Oh Hayoung trainees?
While there is a lack of information regarding the accurate durations, both the member trained for several years before their debut. Chorong joined shortly before Apink’s formation, while Hayoung entered at a young age and trained intensively before debut.
What were the main hardships they faced during their trainee days?
They faced emotional pressure from constant evaluations, financial uncertainty, homesickness, physical exhaustion, and the fear of not debuting despite years of effort.
