Korean Trainee Turns to Thailand in Pursuit of Pop Stardom
In a surprise move, Lee Jung-hyun, a former Korean trainee, has abandoned his pursuit of stardom in his home country to take a chance in Thailand, joining the popular boy group reality show "Create Camp Asia" as its only Korean trainee. This bold decision marks a new chapter in Jung-hyun's life, as he leaves behind the familiar yet unforgiving Korean entertainment industry to navigate the uncharted waters of the Thai pop scene. Dubbed "Kohi" by his fans, Lee Jung-hyun's journey is one of perseverance and determination, as he attempts to revive his dream of becoming an idol in a foreign land.

24 March 2025
Once a promising trainee in a major Korean entertainment company, Kohi spent nearly five years honing his craft, only to be met with disappointment and rejection. Despite his tireless efforts, he found himself perpetually overlooked and undervalued, ultimately leading to his departure from the company. The experience left him feeling defeated and lost, his passion for music and performance dwindling in the face of unrelenting adversity. However, Kohi's story took an unexpected turn when he decided to trade in his Korean roots for a chance to shine in Thailand.
By joining "Create Camp Asia," he not only took a leap of faith but also embarked on a journey of self-discovery, as he strives to prove to himself and others that he still has what it takes to become a successful idol. As he navigates the unfamiliar terrain of Thai culture and language, Kohi's bravery and dedication to his craft are a testament to the enduring power of his dream. With the support of his fans and his own unyielding spirit, Kohi is poised to make a lasting impression on the Thai entertainment scene, and perhaps, finally achieve the stardom that has long eluded him.

As a former trainee in a major Korean entertainment company, Lee Jung-hyun spent 4 to 5 years honing his skills, only to be let go and forced to shift gears as a music video director. Despite still harboring dreams of becoming an idol, he embarked on a new journey, this time facing unfamiliar cultural and linguistic barriers from scratch. The journey of ZEROBASEONE, a 9-member boy group formed through the reality show "BOYS PLANET," is a testament to the relentless pursuit of stardom. From their debut in July 2023 to their subsequent releases and tours, the group has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
However, behind the glamour and excitement of the K-pop world lies a complex web of challenges and uncertainties. For individuals like Lee Jung-hyun, who have dedicated years to training and perfecting their craft, the road to success is often marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and intense competition. The pressures of conforming to strict industry standards, managing the weight of expectation from fans and management, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry can be daunting.

Through this transformative journey, Lee Jung-hyun, a determined trainee, reflected on the profound impact it had on his self-perception and artistic identity. As he navigated the complexities of reinventing himself as a "Thai-style" idol, he gained a deeper understanding of his talents and a renewed sense of confidence. By continually encouraging himself to push beyond his comfort zone, he developed the resilience needed to overcome the formidable challenges that came with this radical transformation. Despite being confronted with extreme notions of self-doubt and the fear of failure, Lee persevered, driven by an unyielding passion to succeed in the highly competitive K-pop industry.
As Lee Jung-hyun and other Korean trainees embark on this unique journey to debut as Thai idols, their expectations for the future are filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Through platforms like "Chuang Yue Asian," they hope to not only launch their careers but also to bridge the cultural gap between Korea and Thailand, bringing a fresh wave of K-pop influenced talent to the Thai entertainment scene. The path to becoming a Thai idol as a Korean trainee is not without its challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and fierce competition. However, for those who succeed, the opportunity to gain a fanbase in both Korea and Thailand, and potentially across Asia, is significant. It represents a chance to become ambassadors of Korean culture in Thailand and to introduce Thai culture to Korean fans.

The journey of these Korean trainees aiming to debut as Thai idols underscores the growing intersection of Korean and Thai pop culture. Their stories and successes could pave the way for more cross-cultural collaborations and exchanges in the entertainment industry, fostering a more diverse and interconnected Asian pop culture scene. For the future, Lee Jung-hyun hopes to achieve his dreams through the "Chuang Yue Asian" stage, express gratitude to his fans and supporters, and looks forward to bravely chasing his dreams and continuing to shine. As Korean trainees strive to debut as Thai idols, they embody the spirit of adventure and resilience, aiming to make a mark in the entertainment industry that transcends borders. Through their journey, they not only pursue personal ambitions but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Asian pop culture, weaving together the threads of Korean and Thai music, dance, and performance. With each step forward, they inspire others to embrace their passions, regardless of the obstacles, and to pursue careers that blend cultural heritage with modern talent, fostering a richer, more diverse entertainment landscape for fans worldwide.
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