Weekly K:KEY vol.2

Weekly K:KEY JULY / 2nd week / 2025

🗝️Audition this week

📍YG X YGB 2025 2nd Regular Audition – China Tour

Application Period & City Schedule

• Zhuhai – on-site audition 28 Jun (Fri) | application deadline 24 Jun (Mon)

• Changsha – on-site audition 05 Jul (Sat) | application deadline 01 Jul (Tue)

• Shanghai – on-site audition 12 Jul (Sat) | application deadline 08 Jul (Tue)

• Xiamen – on-site audition 19 Jul (Sat) | application deadline 15 Jul (Tue)

• Chengdu – on-site audition 26 – 27 Jul (Sat–Sun) | application deadline 22 Jul (Tue)

Eligibility

• Birth years : 2007 – 2014

• Gender : any

Application Type

• Individual only (team entries not accepted)

Talent Area (choose one)

• Singing - Rap - Dance

How to Apply (e-mail only)

1. Send to : audition@ygmail.cn

2. Subject : YG选秀报名 - 2025定期选秀 <City>

3. Body : name, gender, date of birth, height, weight, WeChat ID, phone number, current region

4. Attach :
   • full-body, half-body and selfie photos (no filters)
   • one performance video (original speed, no edits)

Important Notes

• Duplicate applications are not accepted.

• No on-site registration; only those who pass the e-mail screening receive venue details.

• Entire process is free of charge.

• Final round winners may sign trainee contracts with YG Korea headquarters.

Info link

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日期 / 城市日程

• 珠海：线下评选 6 月 28 日（周五） | 报名截止 6 月 24 日（周一）

• 长沙：线下评选 7 月 05 日（周六） | 报名截止 7 月 01 日（周二）

• 上海：线下评选 7 月 12 日（周六） | 报名截止 7 月 08 日（周二）

• 厦门：线下评选 7 月 19 日（周六） | 报名截止 7 月 15 日（周二）

• 成都：线下评选 7 月 26 – 27 日（周末） | 报名截止 7 月 22 日（周二）

招募对象

• 2007 – 2014 年出生，性别不限

报名形式

• 仅限个人报名（不接受团队）

报名项目（任选其一）

• 唱歌 - 说唱 - 舞蹈

报名方式（仅接受邮件）

1. 收件邮箱：audition@ygmail.cn

2. 邮件标题：YG选秀报名-2025定期选秀 <城市>

3. 邮件正文：姓名、性别、出生年月日、身高、体重、微信号、联系电话、所在地区

4. 附件资料：
   • 全身照、半身照、自拍照（无滤镜）
   • 才艺视频 1 个（原速，无剪辑）

特别说明

• 请勿重复投递。

• 不设现场报名；通过资料筛选者将收到线下选秀通知。

• 全程无任何费用。

• 终选合格者有机会赴韩国 YG 总部签约成为练习生。

📍SM Weekly Audition

• Schedule

  • Application / Audition Time: on-site registration every Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM (KST); auditions follow immediately after registration closes

• Venue

  • D-Tower, L Floor, 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (same level as Seoul Forest Station gate)

• Eligibility

  • Born in or after 2004, any nationality or gender

• Application Type / Category

  • Individual entry /

• How to Apply

  1. Arrive at the venue between 11 AM and 1 PM on Saturday.

  2. Present valid ID (student card, passport, etc.) and fill in the on-site form.

• Notes

  • No pre-registration; on-site sign-up only.

  • Participation may be refused if ID is missing or age requirement is not met.

  • Entire process is free of charge; successful applicants may sign a trainee contract with SM Entertainment.

audition link

📍CUBE E-mail audition

• [Qualification]
  No limitation of age, gender and nationality
  

• [Applying Categories]
  Vocal, Rap, Dance, Acting, Visual
  

• [How to apply]
  1. Required Description
  - Title: [Applying Category|Name/Sex/Year of birth
  - Contents: Name, Sex, Date of birth, Height/Weight, Address, Final education(school name),Contact address, SNS ID
  
  2. Required Attachments
  - Two pictures (close to one's face, Whole body)
  - Applying Video (vocal, rap, dance, self-introduction, etc.)
  

• [NOTE]
  1. You have to encode the video in mp4 file format and send it to us.
  2 We will NOT ACCEPT any photos and videos that have been edited.
  3. Not everyone will receive response from us, but only applicants that have passed will be contacted.

• Korea : auditionkor@cubeent.co.kr

• China : cubeaudition@sina.com

• International : auditionint@cubeent.co.kr

audition link

🗝️K-POP Chart Breifing

📍K-POP Chart - Music Bank

(2025.06.23~2025.06.29)

1. fromis_9 - LIKE YOU BETTER

2. aespa - Dirty Work

3. CRAVITY - SET NET GO?!

4. ILLIT - Billyeoon Goyangi ( Do the Dance )

5. WOODZ - Drowing

📍K-POP Chart - Circle Chart

(2025.06.22~2025.06.28)

1. 로제 (ROSE), Bruno Mars - APT.

2. HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, KPop Demon Hunters Cast - Golden

3. KPop Demon Hunters Cast, 대니 정, Saja Boys, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee - Your Idol

4. KPop Demon Hunters Cast, 대니 정, Saja Boys, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee - Soda Pop

5. ALLDAY PROJECT - FAMOUS

🗝️IDOL SCAN

📍Comeback Schedule

D.O. (Do Kyung-soo, EXO)

• Comeback Date & Time
  • July 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM KST

• Album Title
  • Full-length album BLISS

• Highlights

  1. First solo LP featuring orchestral-tinged R&B ballads and introspective lyrics

  2. Cinematic concept photos emphasizing “first love” nostalgia

• Special Events
  • Teaser film and schedule released June 11, followed by a V Live countdown on release day

Super Junior

• Comeback Date & Time
  • July 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM KST

• Album Title
  • 12th studio album Super Junior25

• Highlights

  1. Anniversary title marking 17 years since debut, with retro-dance tracks and mature ballads

  2. Group and solo member concept photos showcasing individual color themes

• Special Events
  • Online comeback showcase streamed on Label SJ YouTube channel

KARD

• Comeback Date & Time
  • July 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM KST

• Album Title
  • 8th Mini Album “DRIFT”

• Highlights

  1. Title track “Touch”, an uptempo dance song blending EDM and Latin-pop elements.

  2. Bold visual concept posters emphasize urban streetwear and neon color palettes.

  3. Launch of their “KARD 2025 WORLD TOUR ‘DRIFT’”, kicking off in Seoul on July 19.

• Special Events
  • July 2 at 8:00 PM KST: Live countdown on Melon, Genie, and Bugs platforms with behind-the-scenes footage.

VIVIZ

• Comeback Date & Time
  • July 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM KST

• Album Title
  • First full-length album A Montage of ( )

• Highlights

  1. Diverse genres from synth-pop to acoustic ballads, showcasing vocal range

  2. “Fragmented memory” concept visual teasers with pastel motifs

• Special Events
  • Spotify Live listening party at midnight KST

PLAVE (JP)

• Release Date
  • July 9, 2025 (Japan digital release)

• Single Title
  • かくれんぼ (Hide and Seek)

• Highlights

  1. Dream-pop summer vibe with Japanese lyrics, featuring layered harmonies

  2. Whimsical choreography teaser filmed in a lavender field

• Special Events
  • July 2025: Japan mini-tour in six cities under “Summer Hide & Seek” banner

TWICE

• Comeback Date & Time
  • July 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM KST

• Album Title
  • 4th studio album THIS IS FOR

• Highlights

  1. Lead single mixes reggaeton beats with TWICE’s signature pop hooks

  2. Multiple concept films released June 25–30 showing summer festival themes

• Special Events
  • July 11 at 8:00 PM KST: Melon Countdown Live with backstage interviews

ATEEZ

• Comeback Date
  • July 11, 2025

• Album Title
  • GOLDEN HOUR : Part. 3

• Highlights

  1. Third installment of their trilogy, combining hip-hop and orchestral elements

  2. “Eternal Sunset” concept trailer released July 5 depicting desert landscapes

• Special Events
  • Global livestream album premiere on YouTube at release time

🗝️K:KEY Unlocks Auditions

📍Email Audition Self-Cam Guide

“One-Skill Focus” Essentials

PRO CHECKLIST

• First 3 seconds: Look straight at the camera and greet clearly.

• Light & noise: Check natural or artificial light; turn off air-conditioners, fans, or other noise sources.

• Structure: Greeting & name → Performance of the skill you’re applying for → “Thank you.”

• Time limit: Always follow the duration specified by each company; going over can hurt your score.

• Skill focus: Submit a video that shows only the category you’re applying for (vocal, rap, dance, or acting).

  

WHAT YOU NEED

• Background & space

  • A plain white or light-gray wall at home works best.

  • If lighting or acoustics are poor, rent a small rehearsal room or dance studio for better space, mirrors, and sound.

• Lighting

  • If you have no gear, face a window so natural light falls directly on your face without shadows.

  • With a ring light or stand light, place it slightly above eye-level and test angles for the sharpest look.

• Camera & audio

  • Fix your rear phone camera at 1080 p (4 K if possible) with the lens just above eye-level to capture flattering facial lines.

  • Built-in mics are fine, but if you own an external mic (condenser, wireless clip-on, etc.), record with it as well and choose the clearer track. Earphone mics are not recommended because of rustling noise.

• Styling

  • Keep hair and makeup neat yet expressive.

  • Avoid oversized logos or excessive accessories; present a clean, “authentically you” look.

HOW TO: STEP BY STEP

1. Film horizontally, leaving 10 cm of space above your head.

2. Clap once at the beginning to sync video and audio.

3. Focus on your chosen skill:

   • Vocal/Rap: Record only your strongest highlight within the company’s stated length.

   • Dance: Make sure your whole body is in frame; tie back hair so it doesn’t hide your face; compress the killing part into about 30 seconds.

   • If you want to show multiple skills, shoot them in separate videos. Some companies accept only the main skill clip, so check the guidelines first.

4. Shoot about three takes under the same conditions and pick the best one.

Q&A BOX

• Send your questions via Substack DM, KKEY Chat, or Instagram DM.

• Q. What’s the ideal video length?
  A. Length requirements differ by company, so check their notice first. If nothing is specified, about 60 seconds is enough to keep judges engaged.

NEXT STEP

1. Record test clips under natural and artificial light, then compare picture and sound quality.

2. Choose the best of three un-edited originals (most agencies prefer raw footage).

3. Double-check each company’s rules on video length, resolution, file type, and any extra materials (front, side, full-body photos) before sending your email.

KKEY Unlocks Auditions Preview

– “Self-Portrait Photo Masterclass”

Learn how to capture portfolio-worthy profile photos using just your smartphone. We’ll cover natural vs. studio lighting, camera angles and framing, expressions and posing, and light-touch editing. Stay tuned!

🗝️K-Lab: Inside K-POP

Recording Studio KEY – Space, Process, Essential Terms

• Purpose
  A recording studio is a professional space designed to capture sound precisely and cleanly for commercial-quality releases. Its structure blocks outside noise and unwanted echoes.

• Control Room
  The engineer’s workspace, equipped with computer, mixer, and reference speakers for recording, editing, and mixing. Accurate speaker placement and isolation let the engineer catch even tiny details.

• Live Room
  The main area where vocals and instruments are performed. Acoustic panels and diffusers create a natural, well-balanced ambience.

• Vocal Booth
  A one-person compartment inside the live room that captures every breath with clarity. Ideal for vocals and narration.

• Key Equipment
  Microphones, pop filters, audio interfaces, headphones, and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Hourly studio rates rise with higher-end gear.

The Basic Flow of a Recording Session

• Sound Check
  Adjust mic height, distance, and input level to prevent distortion. Test at real singing volume so clipping doesn’t appear mid-take.

• Guide Listening
  Play the demo track together to confirm melody, breathing spots, and key words. This step cuts down on unnecessary retakes.

• Recording Takes
  Sing or play each section multiple times, stacking “take” files. A variety of takes makes it easier to pick the best moments later.

• Comping
  Select the strongest phrases from each take and stitch them into one seamless track, cleaning noise and stray breaths along the way.

• Rough Mix
  Balance volume, pan, and light effects to create a temporary reference mix. It guides final decisions and reveals whether extra recording is needed.

• Export
  Save the finished audio as WAV or MP3 to take out of the studio. Agree on file format and bit depth beforehand to avoid transfer issues.

• Mastering (optional)
  A mastering engineer polishes overall tone and loudness so the song plays consistently on every speaker and platform.

Eight Core Terms for Beginners

• Mic (Microphone)
  Converts a voice or instrument into an electrical signal sent to the computer. Even a high-end mic sounds poor if its position or angle is wrong.

• Take
  One complete recording from start to finish. Storing multiple takes lets you build a flawless final track.

• Track
  A single audio layer holding one voice or instrument. By adjusting each track’s level and effects, you add depth to the overall sound.

• Beat
  The regular pulse of the music—“one, two, three, four.” Every performer must share the same beat to keep the song tight.

• Tempo
  The speed of the beat, expressed in BPM (beats per minute). Precise tempo keeps time aligned during editing or overdubs.

• Click
  The “tick-tock” metronome tone heard in headphones. Singing to the click keeps timing rock-solid.

• Mix
  The process of balancing levels, panning, and effects to merge all tracks into a single piece of music. Mixing fixes buried vocals or overpowering instruments.

• Bounce / Export
  The act of combining all tracks into one stereo file when work is done. This file becomes the starting point for distribution, streaming, or mastering.

Quick Tips for First-Timers

• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine the day before to keep your voice in top shape.

• Use clear, consistent file names such as Song_Take01.wav to prevent misplacing recordings.

• Ten minutes before the session ends, back up the original project and export files to both a USB stick and an external SSD.

K-Lab: Inside K-POP - Preview

Dance Practice Room KEY – Everything You Need to Know in the Practice Studio