Kakao Entertainment Announces Five Finalists of Actors Audition

by Lee Yiseul

Published 03 Nov.2025 09:02(KST)

(From the top right corner, counterclockwise) Choi Yena, Choi Minkyo, Shin Hayoung, Choi Junhyuk, Hwang Seobin. Provided by Kakao Entertainment

Kakao Entertainment announced on November 3 that five finalists have been selected through its integrated rookie actor audition, the "Kakao Entertainment Actors Audition."

The five successful candidates are Shin Hayoung (20), Choi Minkyo (17), Choi Yena (17), Choi Junhyuk (26), and Hwang Seobin (20). Each of them will sign a contract with one of Kakao Entertainment's management labels, such as BH Entertainment, VAST Entertainment, Management SOOP, Awesome ENT, J-Wide Company, or King Kong by Starship, and will officially begin their acting careers.

This audition program, aimed at discovering new actors who will lead the future of K-content, was held for the second time since 2019. Under the slogan "The Beginning of Acting, Your First TAKE," the program provided practical growth opportunities such as acting training and coaching, which received a positive response. Since online applications opened in June, thousands of applicants participated.

Representatives and executives from each management company took part in the judging process, offering detailed advice to the applicants. One judge advised, "You should think about how to bring a character to life without losing your own charm," and "You need a unique skill that will make people remember you." Participants shared their thoughts, saying, "I did my best, thinking this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," and "It was a time for deep self-reflection."

Kakao Entertainment stated, "Please watch the growth of these rookie actors who have taken their first steps through this audition," adding, "We will continue to discover talented and capable artists and strive to strengthen the global competitiveness of the K-content industry."