hundreds of candidates each day attend the global auditions held by korean entertainment agencies to perform for the chance of becoming a trainee. auditions include public auditions and closed auditions. others are street-cast or scouted without auditioning, based on looks or potential talent. those who successfully pass this audition stage are offered long-term contracts with the entertainment company. there are no age limits to becoming a trainee; thus is not uncommon for trainees, and even debuted idols, to be very young.