YG Entertainment closes application for Manila audition due to high number of aspirants

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 11) — South Korean music label YG Entertainment immediately closed on Friday the application for its audition in Manila due to the high number of aspiring K-pop trainees.

The application period was supposed to run until April 9.

"This is the inaugural audition for YG in Manila, and we would like to meet all interested applicants," said YG in a statement.

"Unfortunately, due to an exceedingly high number of applicants, we must close the pre-application submission period earlier than expected," it added.

The company will also no longer accept walk-in applicants on audition day.

YG also said it will now have two days of auditions on April 15 and 16 at Zero Studio in Quezon City.

The company behind the world's top girl group Blackpink first announced the Manila leg of its global auditions on Tuesday, March 7. It is looking for Filipino talents born between 2004 and 2012.

Aside from Blackpink, YG also manages other top K-pop acts including the legendary Big Bang, Winner, AKMU, and Treasure.

Blackpink member Lisa Manobal - who was born in Thailand - was the first Southeast Asian to sign with the agency.