K-Pop Trainee Lee Jae Opens Up About Grueling Journey on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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Netflix's animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (Kedeheon) features the OST 'Golden' by Lee Jae, who recently shared insights into his long trainee years.

On the October 22nd episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (hereafter 'You Quiz'), Lee Jae appeared to discuss his childhood dreams of becoming a singer.

During the show, Lee Jae revealed, "I was a trainee at SM Entertainment from the age of 11 to 23, spending 12 years there alongside groups like Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, and f(x)."

Reflecting on his early start as a trainee, Lee Jae recalled, "I would arrive at the practice room at 7 AM and leave at 11 PM. I was always the last to leave. I worked really hard, practicing dance for six hours and singing for another six hours before the sun rose. I even fainted at times."

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Despite his intense efforts, Lee Jae was unable to debut with SM. He shared, "I was always a trainee, never a debuting artist. No matter how hard I worked, I felt like it wasn't meant to be. It was heartbreaking to leave after my contract was terminated."

Ultimately, Lee Jae ended his trainee life at 23 when his contract with SM was terminated. He reflected, "I think my style didn't align with SM's. They wanted a clean vocal, and I wasn't that, so I tried hard to change my voice. I was also considered too old to debut as a trainee."

Lee Jae admitted, "After my trainee days ended, I spent a month sleeping and crying, feeling a lot of resentment towards K-Pop and idols. But I loved music too much." He confessed that discovering other genres helped him find his way back to music.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr