HYBE’s T&D (Training & Development) Division, known for nurturing global K-pop artists like BTS, is finally unveiling its methods. T&D is the crux of the K-pop production system, offering comprehensive training solutions for trainees to evolve into artists. HYBE’s approach, particularly in selecting and educating trainees under its labels, is attracting global attention.
On the 19th, HYBE announced the release of ‘HYBE T&D Stories‘ on its official YouTube channel. The series, airing simultaneously in five episodes, features artists from HYBE labels who have undergone its unique training processes, including BTS, Tomorrow X Together, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and &TEAM, as well as T&D educators. These interviews candidly reveal the operations and goals of T&D, along with experiences with the trainees.
HYBE T&D views trainees as uncut gems, refining them into dazzling artists. The training starts with listening to diverse music and expressing emotions, followed by the ‘Showdown’ program, which includes lyric writing and dance battles to experience the stage. This nurtures a love for music. Additionally, there are genre-specific lectures, from rock to hip-hop and R&B, as well as discussions with producers to deepen musical understanding. Tomorrow X Together’s Taehyun mentioned that T&D’s custom playlists broadened his musical perception.
T&D offers tailored curriculums for each trainee, enhancing strengths and addressing weaknesses based on thorough analysis of each individual’s level and traits. They shared an example of BTS’s Jimin, who had to adjust his dance style from his background in contemporary dance, and ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon, who transitioned from being a figure skater to a dancer. Tomorrow X Together’s leader Soobin expressed gratitude for the T&D staff’s deep understanding of each trainee.
Moral and character education is also integral, focusing on basic knowledge, gender sensitivity, cultural diversity, self-worth, and habit coaching. This ensures that trainees grow into mature adults, especially those spending more time in T&D than in school.
HYBE’s educational system is built on autonomy and responsibility, encouraging artists to question and find their own answers about their career choices. Shin Sun-Jung, Head of T&D, stated that the key to their new training system is autonomy, responsibility, and a healthy trust relationship, enabling artists to make their own musical decisions.
Trainees are also encouraged to design their own practice plans, identifying their weaknesses and deciding on their education programs and practice frequency. Tomorrow X Together’s Soobin appreciated the freedom to practice autonomously without feeling forced.
HYBE T&D forms a partnership with trainees from the first interview, emphasizing shared goals. They aim to create an optimal educational environment through continuous and detailed communication and also cater to trainees’ psychological needs. Regular counseling sessions are held to ensure their mental well-being. LE SSERAFIM’s Hong Eunchae expressed deep trust in T&D.
A HYBE representative highlighted the diverse expertise of their staff, including vocal trainers, psychologists, educators, and marketers, which allows for a broad educational system. They aim to further sophisticate this system in line with the globalization of K-pop.
HYBE is accelerating the globalization of K-pop by applying its T&D system to markets like the USA and Japan. After fostering the Japan-based global artist &TEAM, HYBE recently supported the debut of the global girl group ‘KATSEYE‘ in the largest market, the USA.
