TOMORROW X TOGETHER leader Soobin has shocked fans by revealing the harsh realities of his trainee days at BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE). During a 5-and-a-half-hour Weverse livestream on August 16, 2025, the 25-year-old idol candidly discussed how he and fellow member Taehyun faced physical punishment for dancing mistakes during their early training period. However, he reassured fans that such practices have been completely discontinued at the agency.
Table of Contents
TXT Soobin’s Trainee Revelation: Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Revelation Date | August 16, 2025 |
| Platform | Weverse Livestream |
| Duration | 5.5 hours |
| Members Affected | Soobin, Taehyun |
| Age During Training | 8th & 10th graders (14-16 years old) |
| Agency | BigHit Entertainment (now HYBE) |
| Choreography | SEVENTEEN songs |
| Current Status | Physical punishment discontinued |
The Shocking Trainee Experience
Young Trainees Under Pressure
“We were both quite young, 8th and 10th graders who couldn’t even stretch our arms out properly,” Soobin shared, talking about the timeline of the incident. The revelation highlights how young these aspiring idols were when they entered the demanding world of K-pop training.
Unfair Learning Conditions
“They suddenly asked us to dance to this song, and it’s not even like they taught us the choreography; we were asked to learn it ourselves by watching the video.” This statement exposes the sink-or-swim mentality that trainees faced during their training period.
Physical Consequences
Soobin revealed how he and Taehyun would get ‘hit’ over bad performance on SEVENTEEN’s songs, as the choreography was really tough. The physical punishment served as consequences for not meeting the agency’s demanding standards.
Comparative Punishment System
Graded Severity
He revealed how there were others with more substandard skills, “I and Taehyun got hit a little less. We were really bad, but there were a few people who were worse than us.” This suggests a systematic approach to punishment based on performance levels.
Taehyun’s Confirmation
In the comments of the video, Taehyun affirmed that the practices have come to an end, providing additional credibility to Soobin’s revelations and current policy changes.
Agency Policy Changes
Zero Tolerance Today
“Those who wish to become trainees, they don’t hit people these days. They’ll get in big trouble if they hit anyone,” both members confirmed. This represents a significant shift in training methodologies at HYBE.
Legal Consequences
Soobin echoed the thought, “They had physical punishments back then, but if they physically punish someone now, they’d get in huge trouble.” This indicates potential legal ramifications for agencies that continue such practices.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
Heartbroken Supporters
This heartbreaking revelation has sparked widespread concern among MOAs (TXT fans) who are processing the difficult reality their favorite idols endured during their formative years.
Industry Debate
TXT Soobin’s recent discussion of the abuse he suffered as a BIGHIT trainee has sparked a debate regarding NJZ’s (NewJeans) case with HYBE. The timing has intensified discussions about trainee treatment across the industry.
Broader Implications
“NewJeans deserves the biggest apology”: Fans react as TXT’s Soobin alleges HYBE’s mistreatment of trainees, sparks debate on NJZ’s claims shows how this revelation connects to ongoing industry controversies.
The Dark Side of K-Pop Training
Systemic Issues
TXT Members Soobin, Taehyun Talk About Dark Side of K-Pop, Detail They Were ‘Beaten Up’ During Training Days reveals these practices weren’t isolated incidents but part of systemic training approaches.
Age-Inappropriate Treatment
As young trainees, Soobin and Taehyun struggled to keep up with demanding routines. Both were still in school, with Soobin in eighth grade and Taehyun in tenth. This emphasizes the vulnerability of minor trainees in the system.
Current Industry Standards
Progressive Changes
The entertainment industry has evolved significantly since TXT’s trainee days, with agencies now implementing stricter policies protecting trainee welfare and eliminating physical punishment.
Legal Framework
South Korea’s entertainment industry regulations have strengthened, making physical abuse grounds for serious legal action against agencies and staff members.
Agency Response Pending
Official Silence
So far, the agency’s side has yet to comment on this revelation. HYBE’s response will be closely watched by fans and industry observers seeking transparency about past practices and current policies.
Transparency Expectations
Fans are calling for official statements acknowledging past mistakes and detailing current trainee protection measures.
Stay updated with K-pop industry developments and artist welfare news through our comprehensive entertainment coverage.
Moving Forward: Industry Accountability
This candid revelation from one of HYBE’s most successful groups highlights the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in K-pop training systems, ensuring future trainees never face such treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly did TXT’s Soobin reveal about his trainee days at BigHit?
A: During a Weverse livestream on August 16, 2025, Soobin revealed that he and Taehyun faced physical punishment when they made mistakes while learning SEVENTEEN choreography as trainees. They were just 8th and 10th graders (14-16 years old) and were expected to learn difficult choreography by watching videos without proper instruction, getting hit when they performed poorly.
Q: Does BigHit/HYBE still use physical punishment for trainees today?
A: No, both Soobin and Taehyun confirmed that physical punishment has been completely discontinued at HYBE. Soobin stated that “if they physically punish someone now, they’d get in huge trouble,” indicating that such practices would result in serious legal consequences for the agency under current industry standards and regulations.
