SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan Reveals He Was Rejected by JYP, Recalls Camping Trip with TWICE’s Jihyo and Mingyu

The K-pop star opened up about his early trainee days, his failed audition at JYP Entertainment, and his decade-long friendship with Jihyo.

SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan recently shared heartfelt and humorous memories from his early days in the K-pop industry — including his failed JYP Entertainment audition, and how a camping trip with TWICE’s Jihyo and Mingyu sparked a long-lasting friendship.

The revelations came during Jihyo’s 20th debut anniversary celebration, where Seungkwan, a guest at the event, joined other idols to honor the TWICE leader’s two-decade milestone in the K-pop world.

🧑‍🎤 Seungkwan Auditioned for JYP — And Was Rejected

Seungkwan revealed that before debuting with SEVENTEEN under Pledis Entertainment, he once auditioned for JYP Entertainment, the company behind TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY.

“I’m jealous. I actually failed my JYP audition in 2010,” Seungkwan admitted with a laugh, after Jihyo shared that she had joined JYP as an acting trainee back in 2005.

He added that JYP was the only agency that held auditions in Jeju Island, which prompted him to apply.

“If you dig through their old hard drives, you’ll probably find me in there somewhere,” he joked, sending fans into a nostalgia-fueled frenzy.

🏕️ Camping Trip That Sparked a Bond with Jihyo

Seungkwan also opened up about how he and fellow SEVENTEEN member Mingyu became close friends with Jihyo over time.

“We weren’t close from the beginning,” he said. “One day, Mingyu invited me to hang out, and I ended up at a campsite run by Jihyo’s parents. That’s when I got close to her and her siblings.”

The camping trip turned out to be an important bonding moment and helped strengthen their connection — which has now lasted over a decade.

🤝 K-pop Friendships Across Labels

The 20th-anniversary event served as a reunion of sorts, showcasing the deep camaraderie between third-generation K-pop idols, many of whom trained and debuted around the same time. Alongside SEVENTEEN members, the celebration included stars like:

TWICE’s Nayeon and Jeongyeon

GOT7’s BamBam

DAY6’s Sungjin

I.O.I’s Sejeong and Nayoung

Fans were thrilled to see idols from different agencies and groups share such genuine friendships, proving that while companies may differ, the bond among artists is often built on mutual respect and shared experiences.

📸 Behind the Scenes: A Decade of Growth

Seungkwan’s story is a reminder of the uncertain paths idols often face before debut. His journey from being rejected by JYP to becoming one of SEVENTEEN’s most loved vocalists is inspiring fans worldwide.

“It’s these behind-the-scenes stories that show how much these artists have overcome to stand where they are today,” one fan commented on social media.