Soobin, the leader of K-pop sensation TXT, made a shocking revelation during a guest appearance on a talk show hosted by the famous MC and comedian Shin Dong Yup, broadcast on his YouTube channel. The 23-year-old star, known for his warm vocals and charismatic presence, stirred a wave of emotional reactions across social media when he shared a painful chapter from his school days. Soobin opened up about the bullying and isolation he endured in high school, which was triggered by his early association with Big Hit Entertainment, now HYBE, as a trainee.

The young idol recalled how his schoolmates, who were intrigued by his trainee status, began to single him out. “Back in high school, the fact that I was a trainee at a major company like Big Hit became the subject of rumors,” Soobin revealed. “A lot of my classmates would gather during break times just to stare at me. I felt exhausted and often found myself nodding off at my desk. And then I would overhear people saying things like, ‘He’s acting like that on purpose because he’s a trainee and doesn’t want to show his face,’ or accusing me of being rude and arrogant.”

Soobin emphasized that he never intended to distance himself from his classmates, but the social isolation he faced was overwhelming. “At that time, I was the one being pushed away, even though I didn’t want that at all,” he said. He was often allowed to leave school earlier than others due to his trainee schedule, which fueled further resentment and jealousy among his peers. Soobin recalled instances when his classmates would block the exit door just to make him feel uncomfortable. “Even when they blocked the door, I just said ‘Please move’ and walked away,” he added somberly, reflecting on how the experience shaped his view of school life.

The experience was a stark contrast to the fame and popularity Soobin enjoys today as part of TXT. However, his time as a trainee before debuting was far from glamorous. In a livestream last August, Soobin revealed even darker aspects of his trainee days, shedding light on the harsh training regime he endured. Alongside his bandmate Taehyun, Soobin recalled how the two of them were physically punished for failing to perform well during training. Their punishment was not merely a scolding but involved physical abuse, something Soobin had never spoken about publicly until then.

He explained that shortly after joining Big Hit, the trainees were assigned to learn the choreography for “Mansae” by SEVENTEEN. At that time, they had only been training for a couple of weeks, and Soobin was just a 14-year-old freshman while Taehyun was only 16. The moves were intricate and difficult, but the trainees were expected to perform them without the guidance of a teacher. “We were told to learn the choreography by watching a video, and we had to slow it down to 0.5 speed just to try and catch the moves,” Soobin explained. “The choreography was so hard, and we weren’t able to do it well. We were small and just starting out, so it was really frustrating.”

Taehyun, who had also opened up about the fear and anxiety he experienced during that period, confirmed Soobin’s story, admitting how terrified he was. “It was truly terrifying,” Taehyun said, with Soobin nodding in agreement. “But thanks to our older members, I got beaten a little less.” Soobin then admitted, with a hint of sadness in his voice, “Yeah, Taehyun is right. We were punished for not dancing well. We weren’t perfect, but we were punished less than some others, so I guess we got a little lucky.”

The candid admissions from Soobin and Taehyun about the physical punishments they faced during their trainee days sparked outrage among their fans, who expressed their anger and disappointment on social media. The treatment of the trainees, who were still so young and away from their families, left many questioning the practices within the K-pop industry. The story gained widespread attention, with fans and critics alike calling for better treatment of trainees.

Soobin, born in 2000, rose to fame as the leader of TXT, one of the most successful groups of the fourth generation of K-pop. Known for his model-like appearance, tall stature, and warm personality, he quickly became a fan favorite. TXT debuted in 2019 under Big Hit Entertainment, now HYBE, and has since released several successful albums, including The Dream Chapter, Minisode, The Chaos Chapter, and The Name Chapter. The group has firmly established itself as one of the leading groups of the Gen 4 era, amassing a large and dedicated fanbase worldwide.

In addition to his musical career, Soobin has gained further recognition for his role as the host of Music Bank, a position that has further solidified his image as a versatile and professional idol. His growth as an artist has been undeniable, and fans have witnessed his maturity both on and off the stage. Despite the success, Soobin’s journey to the top was far from easy, and his candidness about his struggles offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of the K-pop industry.

Today, Soobin is a beloved figure in K-pop, and his story of overcoming bullying and hardship resonates with many. The experiences he shared in the talk show serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that idols often face behind the scenes. Soobin’s openness about his past struggles has not only strengthened his connection with fans but also highlighted the importance of treating young idols with respect and compassion as they navigate their careers.

His bravery in sharing such personal details from his past is inspiring, and as TXT continues to shine on the global stage, it’s clear that Soobin’s strength, resilience, and humility will continue to endear him to fans for years to come.