The K-pop industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Shifting market demands, increased global attention, and evolving media platforms have redefined how talent is discovered and cultivated. This panel spotlights the behind-the-scenes world of trainee recruitment, a dynamic and evolving part of how K-pop groups come to life. Featuring two current Stanford students with firsthand experience in the audition process and an industry insider actively involved in talent scouting, the event offers a closer look at the inner workings of this fast-changing global industry. 

Speakers:

Mina Woo is CEO of Flowing Academy, which specializes in preparing prospective K-pop trainees for auditions. She also works as a vocal trainer for major entertainment companies that contribute to the Hallyu wave. With direct experience in managing and advocating for trainees, Woo brings her perspective on training and recruiting processes.

Michael Wu is a senior at Stanford University, double majoring in Communication and Film & Media Studies. Born in Poland and raised in Canada, Michael developed a passion for dance at an early age. With 5 years of ballet and contemporary training and 11 years of competitive hip-hop experience, he was a semi-finalist on the show NBC's World of Dance, a Finalist on Canada's Got Talent 2021, and a Silver Medalist at the Hip Hop International Dance Championships. At Stanford, he has continued his love for hip-hop as one of three directors of Alliance Dance, one of Stanford's largest hip-hop teams.

Prior to his time as a trainee on Starlight Boys, Michael had no experience as a trainee. He applied himself and interviewed over FaceTime in study rooms on campus, and he was eventually selected as a contestant and flown out to Korea. Michael's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and unexpected opportunities. He hopes to continue inspiring and entertaining others through his personality, story, and craft.  

Luis Oyson is a sophomore at Stanford University from the Philippines, majoring in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. He brings real-world experience in the K-pop industry. His journey started in 2022 when he flew to South Korea and auditioned for top entertainment companies. After a series of competitive evaluations, he was selected as a trainee and spent over two years fully immersed in the demanding world of idol training. During that time, Luis was named main vocalist and earned a spot on the debut team of a new idol group in development. In 2024, he coveted a spot on JTBC’s global idol survival show Project 7, standing out among thousands of applicants from around the world.

Luis’ background is a testament to years of discipline, performance training, and persistence in one of the world’s most competitive entertainment industries. You can catch him at Stanford, where he continues to sing, dance, and create—sharing his musical passion and industry experiences both in person and on social media (@its.luisoyson).

Moderator:

Irene Kyoung is currently a Research Associate for the Korea Program and Stanford Next Asia Policy Lab (SNAPL) at the Shorenstein APARC where she supports research projects regarding Korean politics and society, and US-China relations. Irene received her MA in Political Science from Columbia University and graduated with honors in Government and Legal Studies from Bowdoin College. 

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