PSA! SM Entertainment is opening a K-pop training academy in Singapore

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The new academy, called SM Universe, marks the K-pop agency's first foray into Southeast Asia — giving Singaporeans and those in neighboring countries a shot at idol life

MANILA, Philippines – Southeast Asian K-pop hopefuls now have more chances of turning their idol dreams into reality as SM Entertainment is set to open SM Universe, the first K-pop training academy in Singapore.

The academy, which will open in June in the Singaporean shopping mall *SCAPE, will offer a 21-week intensive training program where K-pop aspirants from Singapore and other countries in the Southeast Asian region — including the Philippines — will learn singing, dancing, music production, and stage presence. According to SM Entertainment, the program will be developed and taught by industry veterans.

On the last week of the program, aspirants will train in the SM Universe campus Seoul, South Korea. Here, standout students will be given the opportunity to audition at different South Korean agencies.

Other than the 21-week program, SM Universe Singapore will also offer short-term programs for Southeast Asian K-pop hopefuls to develop specific skills.

“We see strong growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, and the establishment of a Singapore campus demonstrates our commitment to fostering talent and providing unparalleled growth opportunities for young artists in Southeast Asia. We look forward to seeing the talent that will emerge from our academy,” SM Universe Singapore Director Jonathan Jang said in a press release.

As of this writing, details on enrollment into the Singaporean academy have yet to be announced.

SM Universe is a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, the K-pop agency that has produced some of the biggest names in the industry, such as BoA, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, Super Junior, Red Velvet, EXO, aespa, and NCT. – Rappler.com