Kyte (Endzone)

Kyte is a member of SM Entertainment's Endzone. His positions within the group are Leader, Main Rapper, Lead Dancer and Sub-Vocalist.

Facts

 * Kyte is a part of Endzone G, Endzone Rap Unit and Endzone 016
 * Kyte is a member of SuperM
 * Kyte's hobbies are dancing, cooking and watching crime TV shows
 * Kyte's favorite artist is Kanye West
 * Kyte was introduced as the first male member of SM Rookies on December 2nd, 2013
 * Kyte joined SM Entertainment in 2007
 * Kyte's vocal type is Baritone
 * Kyte is very serious and takes the role of leader as an opportunity to make himself a better person
 * Kyte shared that he loves his members like he would his own brothers and can't see his life after Endzone
 * Kyte wanted to debut with EXO but wasn't chosen
 * Minjae said that Kyte was the one trainee that always helped him when he couldn't keep up in dance class
 * Kyte said that he chose to be part of the Rap Unit but was given the choice to join the Dance Unit
 * The group unanimously decided Kyte should be their leader
 * Kyte is teased by the members a lot because he doesn't understand sarcasm well
 * Kyte shares room with the other member of Endzone G
 * Kyte's ideal type: "Someone who is caring and will tell me when I'm doing something wrong."
 * Kyte's vocal range: E2-A4(F5)

Becoming Endzone: Kyte
April, 2007

It's 2007. What a time to be alive.

Hi, my name is Kim Kyungsoo. I am just a korean boy who likes music. I am 12 but you can bet I am ready to begin my journey to becoming a top idol singer just like TVXQ or Shinhwa or like any other big group out there.

I will admit that I'm not that talented, I am not a good singer at all but I can sort of dance okay. I've learned a few choreos but right now I'm just trying to focus on studies too since that's what my parents want from me.

I have 3 older brothers. I have been taught to be firm and dilligent. I need to focus on myself. I must be the best version of myself. I do agree with that but sometimes I look at my brothers and don't feel like they are actually happy.

There was an incident a few years ago when my dad and my 2nd older brother, Minhee, fought hard because my dad was against him joining an art school. Minhee used to paint really well and I could tell he really liked it. Mom did too but dad always saw it as just a hobby. Anyways, Minhee doesn't paint anymore, he's in his final year in his business school. He's a very good student, impressive even, so I'm sure he'll have an amazing career but I feel for him. He lost all his passion for art.

I'll be honest. I am scared to ask my parents if I can ever audition for an entertaient company. And well, that worry became quite big as recently I was struck with a great opportunity.

There I was, walking home. I had just parted ways with my friends and this man comes up to me. I won't lie, I was ready to throw hands even though I'd definitely get beaten up in an instant.

The man came up to me and just said:

"Hey, kid! I work for SM Entertainment. We are going to have an audition on April 17th, next week. Do you have any interest in becoming a trainee under our company?"

What is even happening? Is this guy for real?

"Yes." - I give the simplest and easily one of the lamest responses possible.

The man then explained to me how the audition would be like and gave me all the info about it. I was very excited, I mean, SM is the company. Everyone knows that they are making stars like it is no one's business. I knew I had to at least give it a try.

So, here I am. In my room thinking about how I should go up to my dad and say "Hey, dad. I want to be a singer. Exactly. I want to make you yell at me at how stupid that is. I want you to be so mad you might as well explode." I can't do that. I know it won't go well.

Maybe it is what it is. Dancing and singing should just be a hobby. I should focus on studies, right? But that sucks.

I gotta face the facts. The audition is in two days. I can't keep losing preparation time over this. Either I commit or I give up and I am no quitter.

I don't care. I just freaking realised that I don't need to tell my dad that I'm auditioning. If I tell him and fail it will bring chaos for nothing. And well, if I pass then... I don't know actually. I guess  I'll have to tell him but hey... If I actually pass then I'll worry about that. Right now, I'll do what I must and learn the choreography to H.O.T's Outside Castle. I know it's an old song but I really think it's a good song and I feel like I should try performing it in the audition.

Audition Day

Okay. It's game day. I will leave school and head to SM. It's a long trip but it is worth it. I can make it, I just have to believe in myself. I worked hard and I have nothing to lose. This is a golden opportunity.

I arrive at SM's building and I feel some much unneeded pressure. I am all alone here and I'm gonna expose my skills in front of a bunch of experts. What was I thinking? Maybe I should just go back and do as I was taught. I should try and focus on a realistic career, right? Nope. I said nope to myself quite fast.

Let's face it. I am young boy, I'm 12 and I still have a lot ahead of me. I shouldn't back out of such incredible opportunities that I'm given. Just thinking about giving up on this made me feel really bad. I don't want to leave. For an instant I felt like I was at the perfect place at the exact right moment. I shouldn't have been here before and shouldn't be in the future. This was my time. I had a major boost in confidence right there and went inside the building.

All right. Where is that audition? I'm ready.

After being lost for a while, I found myself in the waiting room for the audition and well... It was weird. There were about 30 people and they were mostly old. I mean they were all way taller than me and I'm a tall boy I mean it. They were clearly high school students and older. I got discouraged for a second but then a boy came up to me.

"Hey! I'm Chankyung! I think you are the first person I see that looks my age. How old are you? I'm 12."

"I'm 12 too. My name is Kyungsoo."

I was sort of relieved to see someone my age but I kind of felt like I should outperform him to make it. Not a very nice thought but I really want to succeed today.

We chat for a while and I realise he is a nice guy. He is a little annoying with his loud whiny voice but he made me laugh so I let it slide.

People start coming out of the audition and I'm getting stressed. Did this people get humiliated or something? They look like that was the worst experience of their lives. I feel a little scared. I need to regain my confidence.

Chankyung gets called. I wish him good luck and try to regain my inner peace as some high school losers come up to me to annoy me.

They keep telling me how I shouldn't even bother. The auditioners are looking for people they won't ever find. One of the losers say I'm too young to be there. I should leave and try in a few years.

Look, I'm not one to take things lightly but I don't want to get in any trouble. I get up from my chair and go get myself a cup of water.

Clearly one of the dudes just wasn't satisfied with my reaction to their provocations. He bumps on me purposely, making me drop my cup of water. I am mad. The jackasses stay laughing but I don't mind.

I get another cup of water. The kid just has to bother me again.

"You really think I'll let you drink this?"- he has the audacity to say that.

I hear my number get called. I pretend to trip and spill all my water on the dude. It feels good. I have this fire igniting in me. I'm ready to audition.

I am greeted by some of the most serious looking people I've ever met. As I find my spot I introduce myself.

"Hello, nice to meet you. I am Kim Kyungsoo. I'm 12 and I come from Daejeon. Thanks for allowing me to take part in this audition."

They start whispering to each other. I hope it's good stuff. Anyways, they ask me to perform and perform I shall.

I gave it my best. I'm telling you. It was the best performance I did. My singing was awful. I'm not going to lie to myself but I did enjoy myself there. Some moves came so naturally, I think I did pretty well.

I'm expecting some very detailed feedback.

"Thank you"- the woman auditioner sitting in the middle says.

That's it. I perform at my highest level and all they have to say is thank you. I stay paralyzed for a second and they say that I may go. Well, I leave.

Chankyung is outside crying his eyeballs out and I ask him what is wrong with him.

"They said they are not interested in me."- Chankyung said it in between tears.

He then asks me what did they tell me. I spill out the truth. They only said thank you.

Chankyung's face becomes emotionless. The other people still mad all turn to me and act like I had just offended them all. They start whispering to each other. I am confusion itself.

"You have a chance, Kyungsoo. If they didn't disregard you, it means they will keep you in mind and you might pass the audition."- Chankyung said it in the most emotionless way possible.

"Even if that's the case. It's not like I passed. They didn't say anything."

Chankyung interrupts me: "Are you stupid? They already told all of us they don't want us, we suck. You didn't hear that. I'm leaving."

The boy was mad. So was everyone else. Was I really the only one who didn't get dismissed right away? Probably not but I don't care. I'm going home. This took way too long.

September, 2007

I am a mess. I'm killing it in school, making my parents proud. Being a true model student and son but one thing keeps piercing my thoughts. I did what was most likely the most important thing I did in my life months ago and it felt like it was forgotten forever like a memory only I have.

I don't feel well. I do everything that I was supposed to be doing but I'm not enjoying anything. There's a part of me that can't accept that I didn't have a definite answer to my audition. Was I lacking? Was I okay? Was I the worst? I have dreams about it almost every night. What can I do?

One night, I'm just studying in my room. It's my average week night. Very boring. The phone rings, I think nothing of it. Mom picks up and I hear the loudest "What?". All right, I get up from my chair and make my way to the living room. Mom has the most unreadable look in her face. She barely says anything.

Well, the call ends and mom comes up to me and surprises me with a hug.

"Why didn't you tell us, Kyungsoo?"

I was at a loss of words.

"This was a call from SM Entertainment. They said you passed your audition and they want you to join the company to become a trainee."

What? This is a dream, right? How is this happening? How does it even make sense?

"Sorry, mom."- that's all I can say right now. I don't even know what to feel.

Mom asks me if I want to go to Seoul and actually pursue that road. I say yes. I want it. I don't care about what it takes. This is clearly the right path, I must chase it.

Mom then says what I feared.

"You have to talk to your father."

Oh, no. How will I tell my dad that I went to Seoul half a year ago to audition to become a trainee in an idol company? He will beat my soul to death.

Father is in his office. I muster up some courage and tell him all about my little adventure to Seoul all the way up to minutes ago.

He just listens to everything I say and as soon as I finish he asks me: "Do you want to do it?"

"I know you don't support it-"

"Do you want to do it or not?"- he interrupts me.

I look him in the eyes and say: "Yes".

"Then do it."

I am very confused. Why would he support me in this but my brother and him went into a whole fight over it.

"Kyungsoo, you clearly have no doubts about it. It is what you want to do. I've noticed how you felt lately and I saw how much you were training earlier this year. You have what it takes to make it. I believe in you."- said dad.

I am glad he said that but I can't help but get angry. Why couldn't he be like this to Minhee?

"Truth is, Kyungsoo. You aren't like your brothers. Minhee, for example, he wanted to go to art school but he had no true faith in his skills. He hardly practiced. He wasn't commited to it. You are not like that. I can tell music isn't just a hobby for you. The fact you got into a company like SM with the skills you acquired by yourself, it tells me how you should be going down this path."

Maybe I misunderstood everything. Maybe Minhee really didn't commit too much to art. I shouldn't stress over it. I'm not Minhee. I am Kyungsoo.

Day 1

I arrive at SM. I am the newest trainee there. It's truly magical seeing it as a trainee. It's like a whole new world right in front of you. From now on, all I'm gonna do is practice.

It is intense. Girl's Generation had just debuted. SM was rising like crazy. I can't believe someday I might be performing next to TVXQ, BoA, SNSD, Super Junior... I really hope I can do it someday.

My first classes were not too great. I was very slow compared to the other trainees. I was also one of the youngest. I got a lot of attention on my first day. The trainees were very curious of me for some reason.

After our late dance class I wanted to cry. I miss mom. I suck. This is so hard. What was I thinking? No.

Stop. Am I dumb? This is what I wanted. No going back now. This is my life.

That's what I kept saying to myself for a long time.

I saw so many people living their lives in such different ways. Having fun, going out, studying hard. I was just in the dance room the whole time.

I couldn't go to karaoke. I couldn't go ice skating. I couldn't go to the movies. I had to practice.

At least, I wasn't alone.

During my first year in SM, I went through a lot. I met my idols. I met new people. I enjoyed myself a lot but I also struggled a lot.

You know what is kind of amazing? Seeing the people that used to lead the classes become idols. I'm talking about Shinee.

When I arrived in SM, there was this kid that just outdanced everyone. His name is Taemin.

There was also a guy that absolutely shone in vocal classes. His name is Jonghyun.

Surely enough, they made it into the new group. I had no doubts about it. Taemin might be only 2 years older than me but he is way more skilled. He deserved to debut.

I wonder when will I debut?

I also have a friend who shares a lot of worries with me. Her name is Seulgi. She is one of the best trainee dancers. She helps me out quite a lot and we became great friends. We encourage each other when times get tough.

2012

SM is going to debut a new boy group. I have become one of the best trainees in the company. Everyone praises me and I've become quite a leader of the pack in our dance classes. The big dance leaders are me, Haeseong and Kai. We are always helping the trainees out.

Maybe it is time for me to finally get my long-awaited debut.

I will be honest. There's another guy named Kyungsoo around here. He's a dope guy. Not as skilled at dancing as me but I'm nothing compared to him when it comes to singing. The dude is good.

May the best Kyungsoo debut. But I'm just saying... I've been here longer.

There are days when you know things won't go well. The company is being very cautious about who will get to debut in the next boy group. There are some names that we know will make it: Kai, Suho, Chen, Luhan... These guys are definitely making it. I did hear my name being thrown around but I don't wanna get my hopes up.

I've been hanging out a lot with the trainees. Haeseong, Yeonsik, Joohyun, Seulgi, Yerim, Minjae. These guys are very nice people. Haeseong and Yeonsik are amazing too. I dare say that Haeseong might be on my level at dancing but I won't yield.

I really think they could be wildcards and make it into the new group but if they do then I might too.

I'm minding my own business in the practice room when I some of the staff come talk to me. I have to meet with Lee Sooman-nim.

The talk isn't too nice. I understand right off the bat just by the atmosphere that he will give me some bad news.

I was right.

"Kyungsoo, I'm going to be honest with you. Everyone wanted you to debut with EXO but I didn't. Please, understand my point... I think you could debut with them and be a great member. Thing is... I don't think you will be your best self in this group. I know this is hard to absorb but I want you to be the first to know this... I want to start a project for a boy group. A long-term project. I've been actively watching you all, the trainees. I see some of you have the potential and charisma to make up part of something great... and I want you to lead it."

What is this? Am I a superhero or something?

"I have a few names in mind to accompany yours but nothing is too certain for now. Please don't go telling anyone about this, okay? I believe in you, Kyungsoo. I can't promise you that you'll be debuting in the next 2 years but I guarantee that when you do, it will be perfect."

What can I say? I won't give up now after so long. This sucks but I'll believe his words.

2016

He was right...