SM Entertainment Talent Reveals Fear Over Agency’s Casting Actions

Wonbin is facing controversy over SM Entertainment’s intense casting tactics.

The story came out on the 333rd episode of tvN’s variety show You Quiz on the Block, aired on March 4th.

SM Entertainment’s Director Yoon Hee Jun, who manages artist development, revealed how far SM went to secure Wonbin, a member of the new group RIIZE.

“I heard they went all the way to Seoul Station to pick up Wonbin from Ulsan so he wouldn’t be taken by another agency,” MC Yoo Jae Suk said.

Director Yoon clarified:

“It wasn’t exactly Seoul Station, but as soon as he arrived in Seoul, he could have been spotted by representatives from other companies,”
“I told the staff to go personally and bring him.”

Wonbin opened up about his experience:

“As soon as I arrived in Seoul, the staff put a mask on me and told me to cover my name tag, which was a bit scary and baffling,” he said.

This aggressive casting move got attention online as fans reacted to SM’s protective yet controversial approach to scouting new talent.

You Quiz on the Block airs every Wednesday at 8:45pm on tvN.