In this generation, more and more K-pop groups are debuting with members who can speak few English words comfortably, and many can even hold a whole conversation.

Heo Woo Seong, the JIGOOUH Edutainment language school CEO, and one of the company's English teachers, Da Som, together talk about all things about idol language training on YouTube with AYO.

Members of SISTAR, After School, Girl's Day, Apink, and VICTON, as well as rookie groups like the LUNARSOLAR, are examples of the biggest idols JIGOOUH has trained over the years.

In the video, AYO asked what the most popular languages idols want to learn. Heo Woo Seong responded that the top choices used to be Chinese and Japanese.

He explained further that China and Japan were once the two most highly-sought markets for K-pop fame after South Korea itself.

In the end, Heo says that the English language has now become the most popular language among idols.

According to Koreaboo, Heo revealed that idols mainly study English for the South American and Southeast Asian markets.

Moreover, CEO Heo Woo Seong explained that idols study American or British English to get successful marketing results overseas.

While they don't always aim to become conversational or fluent in English, Heo added that even being able to introduce oneself in a foreign language is a common and useful goal.

On the other hand, one AYO commentator wanted to know whether they had a chance at being an idol trainee at all, given their elementary English skills.

The AYO commentator asked, "I want to be an idol trainee, but my English is not good because I just started. Can I still be an idol with my bad English?"

Da Som answered and explained that not being able to speak English doesn't necessarily mean you can't be an idol at all. However, language skills are considered essential qualities of being an idol apart from singing, dancing, and rapping skills.

Meanwhile, CEO Heo Woo Seong elaborates on why companies make such decisions. He said, "Growing idols is eventually for making a profit, from getting them through the global market."

In addition, Heo Woo Seong says agencies want to choose trainees who can speak English better than the rest to increase their chances of overseas success.

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