Seo Kang-jun Reveals Unexpected SM Audition Success and Mothers Rejection, Jung Jaehyung Reacts
On September 6, 2026, the YouTube channel Fairy Jaehyung premiered a video titled “Seo Kang‑jun, Who Created a 7 % Body Fat Despite Nationwide Advice Against Exercise.” The clip opens with actor Seo Kang‑jun, born Lee Seung‑hwan in 1993, sharing a candid look back at the early years that shaped his path into Korean entertainment.
Seo’s journey began in his late teens, when his mother encouraged him to try modeling. For about two years he trained as a trainee, even stepping onto the runway during his senior year of high school. After that experience, he decided the modeling world wasn’t his calling and left the industry.
A pivotal moment arrived when a friend urged him to audition for SM Entertainment, the Seoul‑based agency behind global K‑pop stars such as Girls’ Generation, EXO, and NCT. Seo became the sole candidate to pass the rigorous audition—a process that normally evaluates vocal ability, dance skill, and on‑camera presence. What set him apart, according to the interview, was his distinctive look: light‑brown eyes and sharp facial features that caught the eye of SM’s scouts.
When the agency called, Seo’s mother answered only to hang up, remarking in a tone that made the audience laugh, “Our child has no interest in that.” The comment, though dismissive, underscored the surprise of Seo’s unexpected entry into the entertainment arena.
The video also captures Jung Jaehyung—singer‑songwriter and composer—reacting to Seo’s comments about his own appearance. Jung praised Seo’s eyes as “different” and “sucking you in.” Seo, meanwhile, admitted feeling alienated when he looked at his own photos, questioning whether his eyes were truly light‑colored. He said he rarely looks in the mirror and finds his post‑shower appearance “not particularly pleasing,” noting that only after hair and makeup does he feel presentable.
Jung’s remarks were described by the narrator as “outrageous,” and Jung replied with a brief, “It’s annoying,” a comment that drew laughter from viewers.
Beyond the anecdote, Seo reflected on his broader career. He has been a steady presence on Korean television since 2016, starring in dramas such as Cheese in the Trap, Are You Human?, Watcher, and Grid. Throughout that time, he has maintained a clean public image, with no dating rumors surfacing.
SM Entertainment, founded in 1995, remains one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies, operating as a record label, talent agency, and music production house. Seo’s unexpected admission of an SM audition highlights the agency’s willingness to scout talent beyond conventional music training.
The Fairy Jaehyung channel, run by Jung Jaehyung himself, provides a platform for behind‑the‑scenes stories from Korean artists. The timing of the release—on the same day Seo revealed his audition experience—adds significance for fans and industry observers alike.
As of September 6, 2026, there are no reports of Seo Kang‑jun signing with SM Entertainment or of new projects linked to the agency. The interview remains a personal reflection rather than an announcement of future collaborations.
In summary, Seo Kang‑jun’s story illustrates an uncommon route into the entertainment world: a modeling trainee who, after a brief runway stint, unexpectedly passed an SM Entertainment audition. His mother’s dismissal of the opportunity and his own ambivalence about his appearance add depth to his public persona. Jung Jaehyung’s reaction, captured on YouTube, offers a candid glimpse into the camaraderie that often characterizes Korean entertainment circles.
The narrative remains limited to the interview footage and the comments made by the participants; no further developments or official statements have emerged as of September 6, 2026.
