In 2021, netizens discovered a YouTube channel named “Trainee A.” After looking at some of the videos, it became clear that the boys were training in the old BigHit Entertainment building and must be the newest BIGHIT MUSIC trainees. Sadly, at the end of 2022, it was announced that the team had disbanded.
The members of “Trainee A” | HYBE
One of the trainees was JJ. Although born in the Hyōgo Prefecture in Japan, JJ is actually half-American and half-Japanese, and his unique visuals made him stand out even more. In particular, he gained a lot of attention for his dance skills while in Trainee A and also before he even came to Korea.
Member JJ’s photo that spread when he was introduced to fans
Yet, it seems after a lack of updates from JJ compared to the other members of Trainee A, netizens couldn’t hide their excitement when fans inundated the internet with the unexpected news of JJ, all because of SM Entertainment.
On February 21 and 22, SM held their SMTOWN LIVE 2024 in Japan.
Ahead of the show, and although it wasn’t shared online until recently, one fan noticed some of the SM trainees at Gimpo Airport to travel to watch the show. Upon seeing them, one fan noticed someone very similar who they believed was JJ because of his features. He was wearing a black and yellow varsity jacket with light brown hair.
[Video could not be displayed]
[Video could not be displayed]
Along with videos, Korean fans shared photos of JJ (along with fellow SM trainee Haruto) which gained the attention of netizens on social media.
| @1wi1o1/Twitter | @1wi1o1/Twitter | @1wi1o1/Twitter
In particular, netizens believe that JJ’s sister also hinted at it after posting about attending SMTOWN LIVE.
Oh JJ’s sister is teasing, she’s not even hiding it anymore pic.twitter.com/58I6cIecTk
— JJ||FR (@jayjaydesu_jj) February 23, 2024
When the videos and photos were posted, it wasn’t surprising that netizens couldn’t hide their excitement. Amidst all the news from the other trainees, fans worried that JJ had decided not to continue in K-Pop. While some had concerns about the treatment and reputation of SM Entertainment, others were just glad that he was having a chance to live his dream.
My tl rn after JJ news pic.twitter.com/eQv6EySY8V
— JJ||FR (@jayjaydesu_jj) February 22, 2024
JJ went to sm at the end pic.twitter.com/RqvmUASBQs
— mya (@TraineeAtrans) February 22, 2024
A whole year and a half without any News about JJ then suddenly life decided to bless us with this in just ONE FREAKING DAY ????
Today is to remember my dear aeons pic.twitter.com/HlOk0RRG5X
— JJ||FR (@jayjaydesu_jj) February 22, 2024
It isn’t surprising that fans can’t wait to see the future of JJ, and you can read more about the rest of Trainee A below.
Where Is Trainee A Now? What Happened To HYBE’s Disbanded Project Group
