A2O Audition Strategy: Why You Must Train Like an SM Trainee
If you are eyeing the A2O Entertainment audition, there is one thing you must realize immediately: A2O is a new name, but its soul is built on the foundations of SM Entertainment. To pass A2O, you need to crack the "SM Code."
Here is why A2O is looking for SM-style talent and how you can prepare.
1. The DNA: Lee Soo-man and Yoo Young-jin
A2O might be a young company, but it is managed by the two titans who built the K-pop industry.
- The Visionary: Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment.
- The Sound: Yoo Young-jin, the legendary producer behind the "SM Sound." Because of this leadership, the evaluation standards at A2O are nearly identical to those of a traditional SM audition. They are looking for the same technical precision and vocal color that defined generations of SM artists.
2. Global Focus: American and Chinese Backgrounds
A2O is intentionally designed for the global market. Unlike traditional local auditions, they are actively scouting non-Korean trainees.
- Primary Targets: Applicants from American and Chinese backgrounds are currently a high priority.
- Heritage Matters: Based on industry observations, your chances are significantly higher if you are East Asian or have mixed East Asian heritage. Visual harmony with the existing K-pop aesthetic is still a key factor.
3. Vocal Strategy: The SM Blueprint
For the vocal portion of your A2O audition, do not experiment with "creative" styles. Stick to the SM blueprint—clean, powerful, and technically perfect. We strongly recommend choosing songs from SM-trained vocalists:
- For Female Applicants: Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation), Winter (aespa), Wendy (Red Velvet).
- For Male Applicants: Sohee (RIIZE), Baekhyun (EXO), Doyoung (NCT).
If you can mimic the vocal control and tone of these artists, you are already halfway to an A2O contract.
A2O Audition Strategy at a Glance
| Category | A2O Requirement | Pro Tip |
| Vocal Style | SM-Style (Clean & Powerful) | Reference Taeyeon or Baekhyun. |
| Producers | Lee Soo-man & Yoo Young-jin | Understand the "SM Sound." |
| Ethnicity | Global (East Asian Heritage) | US and China backgrounds favored. |
| Core Value | Technical Perfection | Focus on pitch and vocal control. |
A Serious Note for Parents and Aspiring Idols
Applying for a new, high-profile company like A2O is a massive opportunity, but it requires a precise strategy. Because this is a serious career path, we don't recommend making these decisions based on guesswork.
We strongly suggest booking a Serious Free Consultation. This is an essential conversation about your future and whether your current skills align with the A2O/SM standard. We encourage you to bring your parents so they can hear the facts directly. We will provide an honest, professional assessment to ensure you are training in the right direction.
Book a Serious Free Consultation
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