SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan Reveals Trainee Hardships

SEVENTEEN member Jeonghan, the group’s lead vocalist, has spoken publicly about the extreme methods he endured during his trainee period at Pledis Entertainment. He described breath‑holding drills in which a vocal coach stood on his stomach, deliberately long commutes that added hours to his daily schedule, and deceptive tactics to leave practice for food. Jeonghan also recounted midnight and overnight practice sessions in basement studios, cardio exercises performed while singing, and relentless repetition of choreography to close a skill gap with other trainees.

The revelations have prompted a strong reaction from fans, many of whom criticized the agency for subjecting young trainees to what they called a “living hell.” The accounts add to ongoing discussions about the pressures and physical toll of the K‑pop training system.