CONGRATULATIONS!

After carefully reviewing your online application, we have decided to offer you a position as a trainee for our company, SM Entertainment. Your talent in singing, dancing or acting has earned you a spot in one of the most prestigious entertainment industries in Asia. Founded in 1995 by Lee Soo Man, SM Entertainment is home to world-famous acts such as TVXQ, BoA, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, F(x), EXO, and more. Through rigorous training focusing on vocal techniques, dancing, acting, variety, etc. you will potentially debut as a solo artist, idol group member, actor, or backup dancer. 

__________,

Although your audition tape consisted of singing, we must conduct further analysis in person to determine what you will be training for. If you decide to accept this offer, please carefully read the following instructions:

1) Delete any form of social media you have. This includes but is not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, Myspace, SoundCloud, etc. 

2) Since you are eighteen years old you will not need a guardian's permission to accept the offer. Reply to this email stating that you accept our offer. Please reply to this email with the following: 

a) I, __________ accept my offer to become a trainee under SM Entertainment.

b) My home address is: ___________

c) The closest airport to my residence is: ______________

d) The date I would be willing to fly to South Korea is: __________

3) In order to place you with the best suiting roommate, please select one of the following personality types and include said choice's corresponding letter in your e-mail. Understand that your choice will not affect your admission into the training program. You have already been accepted. 

a) I am more of the quiet type. I like to keep to myself. I'd consider myself more of an introvert. I have a few select friends. This does not mean that I don't like having relationships with other people. It just means that it takes longer for me to warm up to people. Once you get to know me, I'm very sweet and will be a loyal friend.

b) I love social situations. I work best when I'm with other people. I'd consider myself more of an extrovert. I have many friends. This does not mean that I don't have close relationships, though. It just means that I get along well with many people, and would consider myself outgoing. I may seem annoying to those who don't know me very well, but when you get to know me, you'll know that I'm actually dedicated, intelligent, and compassionate. 

c) I'm not necessarily interested in making friends with other trainees. I'm very dedicated to my work. I am willing and would love to get to know my potential group members, but making friendships with other people would take up time that could be spent practicing. This doesn't mean that I'm a cold person, it just means that I'm focused on debuting more than making friends that I probably won't talk to in a year's time. If you got to know me, you'd know that I'm actually funny, goofy, and love having a good time. 

 

       Please respond to this e-mail within a week of today, June 2nd, 2014. On June 10th, your application will be disregarded. 

Thank you for showing interest in our company. I look forward to meeting with you. Please understand a few things-- You will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to have romantic encounters with ANYONE until the fifth anniversary of your debut. Any such encounters will be considered a violation of your contract and you will be punished accordingly. Any conflicts that you may have with another trainee or idol of this company or any other company should be reported to HR in order to protect the wellbeing of yourself and others.

I look forward to seeing you!

Signed, 

SM Entertainment CEO Kim YoungMin

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Holy . I breathe to myself, staring at my illuminated laptop screen. I look at the time in the upper righthand corner- 3:19 AM.

I calculate the time in Seoul. Sixteen hour's difference means its...just after seven PM. 

My mind wanders into dreamland like it often does. In just two week's time, I could be eating dinner right now in Korea. 

All of a sudden, the fort of blankets and pillows I'm huddled in becomes too cramped. I resurface into the darkness of my room gasping for air. Air conditioned oxygen rushes into my lungs and my dampened skin turns cool. I read over the email once, twice, thrice. Is this a joke? I think. There's no way I could've been chosen by SM...I'm not even Korean! 

After minutes of convincing and reconvincing myself that this IS real life, I decide to reply to the email. Of course I'm going to say yes!

As I finish up my email, I come to a halt at the "personality test". The three options are so different, I'm not exactly sure which one to choose...

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Which one do you choose? 

A

B

C