Want To Become a Latina K-Pop Star? Here’s Your Chance
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - January 08: ITZY during ITZY's new mini album 'BORN TO BE' release showcase at Conrad Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu on January 08, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Are you a Latina who has always wanted to become a K-pop idol? This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Universal Music Latino is linking up with JYP Entertainment to launch an audition show to form a global Latina K-pop girl group.
JYP Entertainment, the Korean music powerhouse behind major K-pop acts including GOT7, Twice, Stray Kids, Itzy, and others, announced the launch of a new Latine subsidiary last Wednesday (July 17) in partnership with Universal Music Latino. Along with the announcement, the entertainment company shared its plans to release a new audition show, L2K, to form a Latine girl group.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey into the vibrant LATAM market. The undeniable synergies between K-Pop’s energy and Latin music’s creativity present a perfect opportunity to bridge cultures and amplify the connections between our global fanbases,” said Jimmy Jeong, CEO of JYP Entertainment, in a press release.
L2K is the official Latine sequel to JYP’s audition show A2K, an acronym for “America 2 Korea,” which premiered on YouTube last July. Its contestants underwent a series of dancing, singing, and star quality evaluations based on the rigorous K-pop training standards. Six winners were chosen to be formed into the girl group VCHA, who made their official debut with the single “Girls of the Year” in January. Members Camila and Savanna have Latine backgrounds, being part Cuban and Venezuelan, respectively. VCHA was originally slated to perform at this year’s Lollapalooza festival, but dropped out “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Additional audition details are forthcoming, but hopeful contestants for L2K, presumably meaning “Latin America 2 Korea,” will be selected through auditions held in various Spanish-speaking locations, including Puerto Rico and Spain, as well as key cities in the U.S. with high Latine population. The press release for L2K notes that contestants will be chosen “based on their vocal and dancing prowess, star quality, personality, teamwork, and dedication.”
Contestants for L2K can expect to train in Latin American countries in addition to South Korea and undergo a similar evaluation process as seen on A2K. They will also receive mentorship from J.Y. Park and other professionals from JYP Entertainment in order to become the first Latina K-pop group.