Recently, Japan Oricon News interviewed BigHit Music producer Kim Mi Jung, who revealed the process of selecting BTS’s V as a trainee.
At that time, Kim was a new employee at the company and was in charge of regional casting. She’d spent a week in Daegu looking for trainees, but hadn’t found anyone talented.
While sitting exhausted, she happened to look up at a building and spotted an old academy. Feeling it was her last chance, she contacted the academy.
The academy told her that they didn’t have any young trainees; however, she refused to give up and asked to see any photos from events they had held.
While reviewing the photos, one photo caught her eye. It wasn’t V dancing or singing, but simply smiling.
“There was one photo that really stood out: V.”
— Kim Mi Jung
Unlike typical audition requirements, V was given the opportunity solely on the basis of his natural expression, not a special performance.
Kim’s confidence was further confirmed after meeting him in person. She revealed that the moment V entered the audition room, she had a gut feeling he was the one.
She even described her first meeting with V as a “miraculous encounter.” Even though she had met countless trainees, her first impression of V was unique.
“I’ve met so many trainees, but the ones that gave me goosebumps the moment I saw them were V.”
— Kim Mi Jung
In regard to an evaluation of his character, she described him as “a truly kind kid. He has a warm personality from the bottom of his heart.”
Meanwhile, Kim is a veteran producer who helped discover BTS and TXT and has 16 years of experience across diverse fields.
