SM Entertainment Director Reveals Extraordinary Lengths to Cast RIIZE's Wonbin on You Quiz

The intense competition behind K-pop's biggest talent scouting operations was laid bare during a revealing episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block, as SM Entertainment's Artist Development Center Director Yoon Hee Jun shared the extraordinary lengths her team went to in order to secure RIIZE member Wonbin. The behind-the-scenes casting story, featured in the show's 333rd episode themed Today That Becomes History, has captivated fans and industry observers.

The Race to Recruit Wonbin

During the broadcast, host Yoo Jae Suk referenced the well-known reputation of SM's casting division, quipping that the SM casting team is everywhere. He then brought up a particularly striking anecdote involving RIIZE's Wonbin, noting that SM staff reportedly traveled all the way to Seoul Station to intercept the young talent as he arrived from Ulsan, specifically to prevent rival agencies from approaching him first.

Director Yoon clarified the details, explaining that while it was not exactly Seoul Station, the concern was very real. As soon as he arrived in Seoul, he could have been spotted by representatives from other companies, she recalled, adding that she personally instructed her staff to go and bring him in immediately. The urgency reflected just how fiercely competitive the scouting landscape has become among major entertainment companies.

Wonbin's Own Recollection

In a special interview segment, Wonbin himself shared his memories of the unusual recruitment 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, the RIIZE member candidly admitted. His honest reaction drew laughter from the studio audience and highlighted the almost covert nature of high-stakes idol scouting in the Korean entertainment industry.

Inside SM's Talent Machine

Director Yoon, who has spent 22 years at SM Entertainment overseeing the complete artist development pipeline from initial scouting through training to final debut member selection, offered rare insight into the company's operations. She revealed that approximately 150,000 people apply to SM annually, but only around 10 individuals are selected as trainees, representing a staggering acceptance rate of just 0.00867 percent.

The episode also featured special interviews with EXO's Kai and RIIZE's Wonbin sharing personal stories about Director Yoon's mentorship style. Her trademark black jacket and red lipstick have reportedly become something of an iconic symbol among SM trainees, and she addressed the humorous reputation she has earned as an intimidating figure during evaluations.

A Window Into K-Pop's Inner Workings

The You Quiz segment provided a rare, unfiltered look at the machinery behind one of K-pop's most influential talent agencies. As fifth-generation groups like RIIZE continue to dominate global charts, stories like Wonbin's casting reveal the meticulous planning and fierce competition that takes place long before fans ever see an idol take the stage. The episode of You Quiz on the Block airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. KST on tvN.