allkpop was at the JYP Entertainment Auditions in New York City this past Sunday, where hundreds of aspiring singers and dancers from all over the East Coast swarmed downtown Manhattan for a chance of becoming JYPE's next breakthrough K-pop star. The company's global vision has caught the attention of talented individuals, and the rainy weather was no deterrent for these hopefuls, who patiently stood in lines that wrapped around several blocks. Closer to the elevator doors, allkpop was able to spend some time with the auditionees minutes prior to taking their place before the judging panel. Even with so much unique talent in the building, one thing was evident; these people all shared a deep-seated desire to be JYPE artists and students under the promising guidance of J.Y. Park. Below are some of the auditionees we met that day! [caption id="attachment_293640" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Alli Serencko (20) Delaware"][/caption] Alli Serencko, 20, drove with a friend from Middletown, Delaware to showcase her 16-years of dance experience. Although trained in ballet in her formative years, her skill easily allowed her to master hip hop, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary as well. As an avid consumer of K-pop music for several years, Miss A ranks at the top of her favorites with their catchy English lyrics and refreshing delivery as a new girl group on the rise. Alli told allkpop, "I've listened to Korean music for 6 years, and [JYPE] is intriguing, they're something new and something different." Having watched many of Miss A's music videos and performances, she learned the group's dances and truly brought together her two passions. [caption id="attachment_293642" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Leann Kwak (16) Maryland"][/caption] Leann Kwak, 16, made her way to New York City from Maryland. At the start of her summer vacation, JYPE auditions couldn't have come at a better time, and she came ready with a group of friends and a passion for singing. Leann stated, "JYP considers how much you want it, your passion. You have to show how much you want it and that's genuine." Leann's favorite K-pop groups hail from JYPE, and she also greatly admires J.Y. Park and the label for their investment in each of the artists' passion and dreams. Having recognized her own true passion and big dream, she hopes that JYPE recognizes it as well. [caption id="attachment_293641" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Steven Clark (19) New Jersey"][/caption] Steven Clark, 19, of Somerset, New Jersey, immediately caught onto the beginnings of the Hallyu wave years back and has been riding high since. In that time, he taught himself Korean, Chinese, and Spanish, and is now able to sing in all three languages impeccably. Like Leann, Steven admires and respects JYPE's genuine commitment to molding solid artists, their vocals, and dance skills. For Steven, his linguistic prowess paired with JYPE's focus on global music expansion is a match-made fit. Steven added, "They have a station in New York, they're trying to make their voice heard, and they want to be known, they want people to know that JYPE is trying to expand in the US and in Korea, and in China." For Alli, Leann, Steven and all of the other auditionees that day, we wish them all the best! Photography by: Mackenzie Halford