JYP Entertainment has launched applications for its 20th and final Open Recruitment Audition. They will close a nearly twenty-year chapter in which the program helped discover some of K-pop’s most successful artists.
The label manages top K-pop acts such as TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX, NEXZ, KickFlip, GIRLSET, and more.
Applications opened on December 1 and must be submitted online through the official JYP Audition website. For each regional stop, submissions close at 11:59 p.m. the day before that city’s audition date.
Eligibility and Categories
The final audition is open to anyone born between 2008 and 2015, regardless of nationality or gender. Applicants must choose one category to focus on—vocals, rap, dance, modeling, or acting—and submit their materials through the official website. Additional details and updates are available on the JYP Casting Team’s social media channels.
2026 Audition Schedule
The 2026 nationwide tour will begin in Gwangju on January 17, followed by Daejeon on January 18, Busan on January 24, Daegu on January 25, and will conclude in Seoul with a two-day audition on January 31 and February 1. Those who pass the evaluation will join JYP’s trainee system and begin the agency’s well-known training process.
A Legacy of Discovering Major K-pop Stars
Over the years, JYP’s Open Recruitment Auditions have played a key role in discovering some of the industry’s top performers. Alumni of the program include 2PM’s Wooyoung, TWICE’s Nayeon and Jeongyeon, Stray Kids’ Seungmin, and NiziU’s Mako. As the agency retires this long-running annual audition series, it marks the end of an era that shaped much of JYP’s artist roster.
Although this 20th round concludes the traditional open recruitment format, JYP Entertainment has confirmed that its talent search will continue in new forms. Starting next year, the company plans to expand and modernize its scouting approach. It will focus on global auditions and a broader range of recruitment channels.
Tips for Applicants
Aspiring performers are encouraged to present a polished audition that highlights one clear strength. Experts suggest prioritizing sincerity, clean timing, and stable vocal or performance delivery. JYP values these qualities over flashy or overly complicated techniques. Applicants should also be cautious of unofficial services and apply only through the official JYP Audition website.
Further details regarding the 20th and final Open Recruitment Audition can be found on the official JYP Audition website as well as through the JYP Casting Team’s official social media accounts.