K-Pop stars were scouted in bathrooms and while eating. These chance encounters launched their global music careers. Fate found idols like Ryujin, JayB, Suzy, and Cha Eun Woo unexpectedly.
The dream of becoming a K-Pop idol has captivated millions globally, representing far more than just a career path. It's a potent symbol of fame, artistic expression, and financial success on an international scale. The meticulously crafted images, the high-energy performances, and the passionate global fanbases create an almost mythical allure. This perception, amplified by social media and streaming platforms, paints a picture of a glamorous life filled with adoration and achievement. Consequently, the path to debut is notoriously competitive, with thousands of hopefuls attending open auditions held by major entertainment companies in cities around the world, all vying for a chance to enter the rigorous training system. Yet, fascinatingly, for a select few, their big break didn't come from a formal audition at all. Instead, they were discovered in the most unexpected, ordinary, and sometimes downright strange places imaginable, proving that sometimes, destiny has a peculiar sense of humor.
It's almost a running joke in the K-Pop industry that certain agencies have a knack for finding talent in the most unassuming locations. While auditions are always flooded with applicants, some of the biggest stars were scouted when they were least expecting it, whether they were simply enjoying a meal, volunteering their time, or, in a surprisingly common theme, making a quick trip to the restroom. These bizarre scouting stories have become legendary among fans, adding a layer of serendipity to an idol's origin story. So, who are these idols who found fame in the most unusual ways?
Source: Instagram/imfinethankyouandryu
Ryujin ITZY
Ryujin’s casting story is the kind of serendipitous tale that aspiring idols dream about. Before she was ITZY's charismatic center, she was a dedicated fan of the boy group GOT7. While attending one of their concerts, she was simply waiting in line for the restroom when a recruiter from JYP Entertainment approached her. The initial offer was met with understandable suspicion, but the recruiter's genuine and kind demeanor won her over. Ryujin herself recalled the moment:
"I went to see GOT7’s concert. Someone came up to me in front of the bathroom and asked if I could give her my phone number. I was suspicious at first but she was so cute, so I decided to give it to her."
This split-second decision changed her life. She eventually joined JYP Entertainment, the very company that housed her idols, GOT7. Today, Ryujin is a leading member of the powerhouse group ITZY, known for hits like "WANNABE" and "CAKE," and continues to be celebrated for her powerful stage presence and rapping skills.
Source: Instagram/jabynow.hr
JayB GOT7
The founder of JYP Entertainment, Park Jin-young, seems to have a unique radar for talent near bathrooms. GOT7's leader, JayB, had a passion for performance from a young age, with breakdancing being his true love. He actively participated in breakdancing competitions to showcase his skills. Ironically, it wasn't his performance on the dance floor that caught a scout's eye, but a moment away from it.
During one such competition, he was approached by a JYP agent in the bathroom. This chance encounter led to an audition and his eventual acceptance into the company. JayB later met fellow member Jinyoung at an open audition, forming a partnership that would become the backbone of GOT7. Although GOT7 left JYP Entertainment in 2021, the group continues to thrive independently, and JayB has been actively pursuing a successful solo career in music.
Source: Instagram/skuuzy
Suzy
Adding to JYP's peculiar bathroom-scouting legacy is Bae Suzy, once dubbed "Nation's First Love." Suzy's journey began with a setback, she had auditioned for the survival show Superstar K in 2009 but was eliminated. However, fate had other plans. As she was leaving the audition venue, reportedly on her way to the bathroom, a persistent JYP Entertainment agent scouted her.
Recognizing her potential, the agency signed her, and with her innate talent, Suzy only needed a remarkably short 10 months of training before debuting as a member of the hugely successful girl group Miss A. While Miss A is now disbanded, Suzy has solidified her status as a top actress in South Korea, starring in numerous hit dramas and films, and remains one of the most influential celebrities in the industry.
Source: Instagram/enwo.o_c
Cha Eunwoo ASTRO
ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo, now renowned for his unparalleled visuals and acting roles, wasn't initially seeking a life in entertainment. As a model student, class president, and top-ranked academic, his childhood dream was to become a judge. His life took an unexpected turn during a school festival.
As he was exiting the bathroom, an agent from Fantagio Entertainment handed him a business card. Eunwoo was hesitant and initially rejected the offer, but the agency was persistent. Thankfully for his millions of fans worldwide, their perseverance paid off. Today, Cha Eunwoo is a multi-talented star, actively promoting with ASTRO while also maintaining a prolific acting career.
Source: Instagram/oohsehun
Sehun EXO
It seems that delicious Korean street food can lead to more than just a satisfied appetite, it can lead to a superstar career. Sehun, a known food enthusiast, was discovered while indulging in a popular Korean snack. The story was verified by his own bandmates during a 2015 showcase for their single "Sing For You."
When the host asked, “What was the food that Sehun was eating when he first got scouted?” all the members confidently answered in unison: “tteokbokki.” This casual moment of enjoying spicy rice cakes opened the door to him becoming one of the most recognizable faces in K-Pop. Sehun continues to be a vital member of EXO, and along with group activities, he has also built a successful career in modeling and acting.
Source: Instagram/ummmmm_j.i
Umji VIVIZ
Mirroring Sehun's story, former GFRIEND member Umji was also scouted during a meal. Her discovery happened on a significant day: the preliminary convening date for Seoul Performing Arts High School. However, the scouting didn't occur on campus.
As Umji shared on SBS Power FM’s Kim Chang-yeol’s Old School in 2016, "It even happened not inside the campus but on the way to eat dak-galbi." So, while on her way to enjoy a meal of spicy stir-fried chicken (dak-galbi), she was approached by a talent scout. Umji debuted with Gfriend, who became known for their intricate choreography and pure musical concept. Following the group's disbandment, Umji, now known as Kim Ye-won, has redebuted as a solo artist under the name VIVIZ.
Source: Instagram/na.jaemin0813
Jaemin NCT
While many scouts find idols in public spaces, Jaemin was discovered in one of the most heartwarming and unexpected ways: while volunteering. The most touching part of this unique story is that Jaemin was picking up trash with his mother at the time. This speaks volumes about his character, and to this day, he is known for continuing to volunteer during his free time between NCT's demanding schedules. This chance encounter led him to SM Entertainment, where he became a member of the versatile unit NCT.
Source: Instagram/hynjinnn
Hyunjin STRAY KIDS
Sometimes, being scouted can be a startling experience. Hyunjin was out shopping with his mom when a stranger suddenly grabbed his wrist. Shocked, Hyunjin turned around and yelled, “Who are you?!” The stranger quickly explained they were a casting associate from JYP Entertainment and handed him a business card.
Understandably suspicious but intrigued, Hyunjin went home, researched the agency to confirm it wasn't a scam, and decided to audition. His leap of faith paid off; after three years of training and surviving the group-forming survival show, he debuted in 2018 as STRAY KIDS main dancer, rapper, and a celebrated visual. Hyunjin and Stray Kids have since risen to global prominence, with their latest world tour solidifying their status as a leading fourth-generation boy group.
Source: Instagram/taeoxo_nct
Taeyong NCT
Before join NCT, Taeyong was completely unfamiliar with the world of K-Pop. His scouting story is unique because it wasn't the recruiter's credentials that convinced him, but a simple snack. When an SM Entertainment agent first approached him on the street, Taeyong was skeptical. The agent's mention of being from a "top 3" company even led Taeyong to mistakenly think of major broadcasters like SBS or KBS. He initially declined the offer.
However, the persistent agent returned another day with a peace offering a simple piece of toast. This small gesture worked. That single slice of toast was the key that unlocked the door to his future, leading him to become one of SM's most prominent performers today. Taeyong continues to lead NCT.
Source: Instagram/tiffanyyoungofficial
Tiffany Girls Generation
While many fans know Tiffany was street-cast at a Korean festival in Los Angeles in 2004, the specific location adds a humorous twist to her origin story. The future Girls' Generation star was scouted in front of a festival bathroom. It turns out that Tiffany was one of several idols discovered that day, but her fandom ultimately guided her decision.
Being a huge fan of the legendary BoA, she chose to sign with SM Entertainment over other interested agencies. This decision cemented her path to becoming a key member of one of the most influential girl groups in K-Pop history. Since her debut with Girls Generation, Tiffany has evolved into a multifaceted artist, pursuing a successful solo career in both Korea and the US, and has established herself as a respected entertainer and fashion icon.
These incredible stories highlight a fascinating paradox within the highly systematic world of K-Pop. While success is often attributed to years of grueling training and fierce competition, the initial spark of opportunity for these idols was pure, unadulterated chance. It underscores the idea that star quality that elusive "it" factor can manifest anywhere, from a concert bathroom line to a street food stall. These anecdotes serve as a reminder that behind the polished music videos and large-scale concerts, the beginnings of a superstar's journey can be wonderfully ordinary, human, and incredibly random. They add a layer of magic to the industry, suggesting that sometimes, being in the right place at the right time, even if that place is a restroom, can change the trajectory of a life and, in turn, the soundscape of pop culture.
Source: Koreaboo, South China Morning Post
Maybe we should all carry ourselves with a little extra grace, just in case… turning everyday moments into something magical is so beautiful. Your daughter is lucky to have such a playful and wonderful mom! 
but I suspect agencies embellish them for good PR. Still, it’s fun to speculate what really happened behind the scenes. Always take it with a grain of salt.