Do Big Companies Pay for Your Flight When You Get Accepted for an Online Audition?

The concept of being a trainee for one of the Big 3 entertainment companies, such as BigHit, has sparked a lot of interest and questions among aspiring idols. Many wonder if these companies will reimburse their travel expenses when they get accepted for an online audition. While it's true that some companies might cover these costs, it's important to understand the conditions and factors involved in such agreements.

Understanding the Big 3's Financial Involvement

It's crucial to acknowledge that no company is typically willing to pay for your flight simply because you get accepted for an online audition. The reason for this is straightforward: there are hundreds of thousands of individuals who dream of becoming idols, and it wouldn't make financial sense for a company to invest in every single one of them. Training and scouting new talent can be a costly process, and the companies usually only invest in those who have proven their potential.

That said, there are scenarios in which a company might be willing to pay for your flight. This decision largely depends on your talent and the company's specific needs. If the company believes that you showcase exceptional talent and is a good fit for their style, they might choose to partially or fully cover your travel expenses to bring you to their base in Korea. However, they typically do not cover the expense of a guardian, as trainees under 18 must travel with an adult.

Case Studies and Considerations

Let's break down the possibilities and considerations:

Case 1 - When the Company Invests in You

When a company decides that you are too talented and believes in your potential for debut, they might be willing to cover some or all of your travel costs. This is a sign that the company believes you are worth the investment. However, it's essential to note that even in such cases, the company will not typically pay for the guardian, as all trainees under 18 require a guardian to accompany them.

Case 2 - When the Company Hesitates

There are also situations where the company is less inclined to pay for your flight. This might be due to the following reasons:

The company wants to see how committed you are to becoming an idol. By requiring you to buy your own ticket, they want to gauge your level of enthusiasm and dedication. They might have screened you in the first round and found you to be less promising. They could be giving you another chance to prove yourself in a subsequent round if they are still evaluating further. Smaller companies might have budget constraints. If they pay for tickets for every international trainee, they could risk going bankrupt quickly.

In all these cases, it's important to understand the company's perspective and their financial limitations.

Additional Insights from Industry Experts

Expert opinions from industry insiders also shed light on the financial realities. Some sources, like agency representatives, have shared their insights:

AGT or any other talent show usually cover lodging and meals for the quarter finalists. However, for the Big 3 companies, there are cases where they do pay for the trainee’s flight, especially if they find the candidate very talented.

Another crucial detail is that for trainees under 18, the Big 3 companies typically pay for an adult to accompany them. This is a standard requirement to ensure the safety and well-being of the trainee.

The Bottom Line

While it's reassuring to know that some companies might cover your flight costs, the final decision depends on the company's evaluation of your talent and the specific terms of the contract. Before applying for an online audition, it's wise to thoroughly research the requirements and the potential costs involved. Even if the company eventually covers your expenses, you might need to pay for some upfront costs to move forward with the process.

Remember that every step in the journey to becoming a trainee is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and talent. Be prepared and willing to invest in your dream, as every expense you bear is a step closer to realizing your aspirations.