K-pop formula finds success recruiting musical talent outside South Korea

K-pop has ascended to become one of the world’s most popular musical genres. While it originated in South Korea, recruiters have begun hosting auditions in cities around the world to identify the next big star. One of them is AleXa, a Korean-American singer who was recruited by a K-pop talent agency. The K-pop artist has been dancing since the age of two, but AleXa said the Korean standard is gruelling. Trainees are expected to attend daily dance, stunts and acting classes for months, or even years, until it’s determined they’re ready to debut.