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Canadian artists, including Junny and P1Harmony’s Keeho, have found success in the Korean music industry after making the move to Seoul. K-pop, a global phenomenon, has seen a rise in popularity worldwide, and the industry actively searches for new talent through global auditions. In recent years, the industry has expanded its reach to include artists from various countries, providing exciting opportunities for young Canadians from the Asian diaspora. Keeho, originally from Toronto, became an idol trainee after auditioning for FNC Entertainment. His debut as the leader of P1Harmony in 2020 brought him back to Toronto for the group’s first Canadian concerts. Junny, a singer-songwriter born in Seoul and raised in Vancouver, had an unconventional entry into the industry, starting out as an independent artist on Soundcloud before moving to Seoul. Both artists praise the unique and dynamic nature of the K-pop industry, which includes record labels that also serve as representative agencies for artists. Junny’s first break came when he was invited to a songwriting camp hosted by SM Entertainment, leading to opportunities to write for various SM artists.
K-pop presents new opportunities for young Asian creatives, offering democratization and accessibility. The industry has created passionate fanbases and inspired fans to audition to become idols. Behind the scenes, K-pop’s competitive spirit and openness also provide opportunities for songwriters and producers from all over the world to work with K-pop groups. Canadian artists such as DJ Swivel and Jenna Andrews have found success working with K-pop groups. Junny hopes to represent Canadian artists in the future and inspire young Asian individuals to pursue their dreams. Overall, the rise of K-pop has opened doors for artists globally and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
