Director Exposes Why SM Idols Go Through Such Harsh Training

Artists should never take fans for granted.

Recently, the director of SM Entertainment’s artist development center appeared on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block and discussed various topics related to idols.

She cleared up rumors that SM prefers a certain type of visual, stating that there are no set standards for appearance.

SM Entertainment Director Finally Clears Up A Longtime Misunderstanding About The Agency

In terms of the group she trained the hardest, it was NCT 127. It was revealed that they practiced so much that the practice room mirrors would fog up.

Although it sounded harsh, she revealed her reason.

It’s not a given that fans love you, right? You’re chosen from among so many artists and music. You can’t take that love for granted.

— Yoo Hee Jun

To earn that love, you need to have the skills and dedication to live up to it, so I had no choice but to be harsh during training.

— Yoo Hee Jun

팬들이 사랑해 주는 게 당연한 게 아니고 팬들의 사랑을 받으려면 충족할 만한 실력과 노력을 갖춰야 된다고 생각해서 혹독하게 할 수밖에 없다고

이 말 너무 좋은 것 같음…
pic.twitter.com/2Cy3rspqLo

— 옌 (@yyiian_2) March 4, 2026

Meanwhile, she also finally revealed the meaning behind another SM idol’s name.

Legendary SM Idol Finally Finds Out The Meaning Of His Name After 15 Years