Gangnam moms get private lessons for kids to become next BTS

K-pop titan BTS. Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

The number of K-pop academies is reportedly growing in Gangnam, southern Seoul's wealthy area, as moms seek to have their children learn the tricks early to become another BTS.

The area has been full of good private academies that teach English and mathematics for students wishing to go to top colleges and universities.

But now, with the global success of many K-pop stars, academies are being developed to train kids to sing and dance at a professional level ― and try their chance at stardom.

“The number of students has been increasing, possibly due to BTS,” a music academy in Gangnam told The Korea Times. “The growth was even more remarkable when PSY rocked the world with 'Gangnam Style' in 2012.”

While kids dream of becoming stars, their parents are less reluctant these days about their children working in the entertainment industry.

“Some of the parents are still quite pessimistic, but many of them are media-friendly, hence are pretty positive about their children becoming celebrities,” the music academy said.

Fees for training are not high, which makes the academies popular. Two classes a week cost 130,000 won ($116) a month, and three classes a week 150,000 won ($134).

It is known that some kids also use these private lessons as exercise to stimulate their growth.