Trainees are so important because the future of Kpop relies on trainees to become the groups fans love and grow with over time. It all starts with a dream and a will to succeed.
In collaboration with Kpop Trainee Find, we have put together a series of articles featuring Kpop idol hopefuls! Kpop Trainee Find's goal is to bring Kpop fans' awareness to people of various nationalities and skill levels who are working hard to become Kpop idols so that the fans can become a source of support and encourage them on their journey to achieve their dream.
You can meet more of these trainees through Kpop Trainee Find's Instagram and Twitter pages.
For the fifth week of Kpop Trainee Spotlight, we have Ayaka from Japan!
My name is Ayaka Irie. I’m currently 18 years old and I can speak four languages.
I have never attended any dance classes but I joined dancing club in my years in high school for about 2 years. I have always loved singing and I came to love dancing so I’m happy with either one.
Are you under an agency, if not what is your dream agency?
I’m currently not under any agency, but my dream agencies are JYP, SM and YG entertainment.
When did you know you wanted to be a Kpop idol?
Since I started dancing in my junior year in high school at the age of 16.
Who are some Kpop artists you look up to?
Jennie and Lisa from BLACKPINK! I admired Lisa’s stage presence and Jennie’s positivity.
What songs do you use for auditions?
I listen to a lot of English songs and K-pop songs, but due to my poor language skill in Korean I use English songs most of the time. For my dancing, I like to use K-pop songs (PS: I’ll try to work hard on studying Korean)
What do you do to get over nervousness?
I just take a deep breath and tell myself “YOU CAN DO IT”.
(I used to imagine that the audience are vegetables when I was younger, lol)
What concept do you think suits you the most?
I think concept that suits me the most is either jazz or emotional songs.
What is the best advice you have received?
I’m an over thinker and often insecure about
myself but after I was told “Just be yourself and don’t let others’ opinions stop you from chasing your dreams. Be confident and nothing can bring you down.” I gained confidence and became productive.
Other than music, what are your hobbies?
Traveling to different places!!
What can we expect from you in the future?
Be a person who can inspire a lot of people to believe in themselves and to bring many happiness and positivity to many people through music.
Follow Ayaka
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamayakairie/
Tiktok: @iamayakairie